Moncton is putting the final touches to the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Family Fun Fest on Dec. 31.

The event, sponsored by the Moncton Wildcats, is a legacy of last year’s World Junior Hockey Championship.

“This event is not just about ringing in the new year, it’s a heartfelt invitation to every resident to join us in building on the success of last year’s celebrations around the IIHF World Junior Championship,” says Claire Esson, co-chair of the organizing committee.

All outdoor festival activities are free and open to all.

• 2 p.m.: Opening prayer by Knowledge Keeper Joan Milliea
• 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.:
  • Engage in a variety of indoor kid-friendly activities, yard games, and performances at the Lounsbury’s Kids’ Zone:
    • 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Mad Science
    • 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.: Mr. Mark
    • 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Mike Pendergast
    • 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.: Mr. Mark
  • Enjoy live performances by entertainers and musicians on the outdoor local stage:
    • 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Mike Pendergast
    • 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.: DJ Bones
    • 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.: André Saulnier
    • 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.: Dahlia Ave
  • Discover the rich flavour of maple on a stick with Brigg’s Maple.
  • Get your face painted with beautiful designs and sparkling glitter tattoos.
  • Enjoy a delicious fundraiser barbecue from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., with all proceeds going to the United Way.
• 2 p.m. to midnight:
  • Satisfy your taste buds with a variety of food trucks, including Shangrilla, Mamma K’s, and the Cavendish Fry Truck.
  • Explore the ice bars, a special partnership with the Hilton Garden Inn and Hyatt Place hotels. Located just outside each hotel, they will offer a unique cocktail selection and a warm, cozy atmosphere.
• 4 p.m. Catch the Moncton Wildcats as they face off against the Charlottetown Islanders at the Avenir Centre.
• 6 p.m. to midnight: Quench your thirst at the beer garden.
• 7:15 p.m.: Meet your Moncton Wildcats.
• 8:30 p.m.: Watch a pre-midnight fireworks display for families sponsored by the UNI Financial Cooperation.
• 8:45 p.m. to midnight: Enjoy an evening concert with performances by –
  • The Mainlanders
  • Beauxmont sponsored by the UNI Financial Cooperation
  • The Mellotones presented by Atlantic Lottery
• Midnight: Ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks show sponsored by the UNI Financial Cooperation.

“I don’t have the specific number of volunteers but we’re looking at over 100. They’re helping out in a number of areas. Moncton has a very strong core of volunteers,” said local organizer Marty Kingston.

“Whether it’s the IIHF World Juniors or other events the city has hosted, Moncton’s got a big heart and we’ve done that so well and again volunteers have stepped up big time on the 31st.”

Codiac Transpo will offer free New Year’s Eve service from 5:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on select routes. The service schedule can be found on the Codiac Transpo website.

For more information and event updates, visit the City of Moncton website.

Moncton Family Fun Fest – Image: City of Moncton