December 24 – You can ring in 2023 with an alcohol-free New Year’s Eve event offering family-friendly activities.
Celebration Johnstown takes place throughout Central Park and downtown Johnstown on December 31 from 6-10pm.
This free event features musical entertainment, children’s activities, horse-drawn carriages, food and drink, animated Christmas displays, and fireworks.
“This started in 2009 and is just a way for Johnstown to ring in the new year,” said event co-chair Rose Haworth and Johnstown City Councilman Marie Mock.
“We have people who come every year and enjoy being outside.
“Also, there are a lot of tourists in town at this time of year, so something can be done.”
She said the event continues to grow and is drawing people downtown.
“We’re seeing a lot of families, and it’s a wide range of people from all parts of town, not just cities,” Haworth said.
“There’s no charge, so that’s something good, especially this time of year, after spending the Christmas budget.”
“variety of music”
The band plays jazz, polka, oldies, rock and roll, Irish, bluegrass, Americana, and feel-good songs.
“There’s a wide variety of music that appeals to people of all ages,” Haworth said.
Entertainment for children includes magicians, Irish dancing, face painting, clowns, storytelling, crafts and photography.
Starting at 5pm, the Christmas Tree @ Central Park will host an animated light show throughout the night.
New Year’s Eve visitors can take a trip to Christmas bygone with an animated display of Glosser Bros. and Penn Traffic in the lobby of AmeriServ Financial at 216 Franklin Street.
Recreational facilities are located in the First Presbyterian Church at 309 Lincoln Street. Franklin Street United Methodist Church, 510 Locust St. Cambria County Library, 248 Main Street. Visit 416 Main Street, Johnstown.
Jazz in Your Face entertains from 6-8pm at First Presbyterian Church.
The Cumbria County Library features Moonbeam the Clowns and Razelle & Dazzle from 6-8pm. Face painting, crafts and storytelling from 6-9pm. Bob Beatty Magic Show from 6-6:30 PM. Rosie and the Jammers 7:30 PM – 9:40 PM
Strings and Bellows will perform at the Sanctuary of the Franklin Street United Methodist Church from 6-7pm. The Rusty Shackles from 7-8pm. Whiskey River Panhandlers from 8:15pm to 9:40pm.Irish Pretenders, Ellory Dubs, Shannon Booth, Irish Dancers, 7-8pm
Visit Johnstown will feature Tom Katz from 6-7pm. Hard Rok, KoKo & Joe from 7pm to 8:30pm. Bo Moore 8:30pm to 9:45pm
Food and snacks are available for purchase at most venues.
Carriage rides are provided by Misty Haven Carriage Rides in Davidsville for a small fee. Loading and unloading takes place on Franklin and Locust streets.
Fireworks that color the sky
The celebration concludes with a fireworks show that lights up the night sky at 9:50 PM from Prospect Hill.
“There’s no bad place to see fireworks in town,” Haworth said.
“All entertainment stops and everyone comes to see the fireworks.”
She said Celebration Johnstown has become a tradition that people look forward to each year.
“People enjoy entertainment and different venues,” Haworth said.
“It’s been a great event for downtown and now that we have more businesses and restaurants, we can take advantage of the crowds.”
community-based celebration
She said those attending this year’s event will experience a comfortable, fun and community-based celebration.
“Johnstown is a great place to live and raise a family,” Howarth said.
Celebration Johnstown is organized by West End Improvement Group, Roxbury Civic Group, Moxham Neighborhood Watch and Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership.
Event sponsors include Croatian Hall, Concurrent Technologies Corp., EADS Group, Sheetz, JWF Industries, Wessel & Co., 1st Summit Bank, Alma Lodge, Am-Slo Social Club, William L. Aurandt Auto Sales, Carpenter Financial Services , Family Dentistry Associates, Gohn Enterprises LLC, Harris Funeral Home, Johnstown Housing Authority, Somerset Trust Co., Krouse Automotive, LB Pipe, Rosie and the Jammers.
For more information, please visit Celebration’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Celebration-Johnstown-1462395043986029.
Kelly Urban is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. His phone number is 814-532-5073. Follow her on her Twitter @KellyUrban25.