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Rochester Prepares for New Year's Eve Celebrations

Veronica Volk
/
WXXI

Rochester’s New Year’s Eve downtown celebrations kick off at 5:30 Wednesday night, with indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family.

Kids and families skate free from 5:30-7:30 at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park Ice Rink, and adults can take over the rink at 8:30.

There are also bouncy houses, clowns, photo booths, a family DJ and more at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Kara Osipovitch organizes special events for the city. She says these kinds of gatherings are essential for a healthy community.

"Having events downtown is incredibly important. We are encouraging people to continue their family traditions downtown and make new ones if they're new to the area. You know, we want to be a part of people's holiday tradition and offering these events is a way for us to ensure that happens."

Fireworks begin at 10:00, and people of all ages are invited to watch from the Main Street Bridge. Main Street will be closed to traffic from South Avenue to Exchange Boulevard in honor of the festivities. The street closure will be in effect from 6:30 to 11:00 at night, but local deliverers will be given limited access.

Four of the city’s garages will offer free parking from 6:00 – 11:00:

  • South Ave. Garage, 39 Stone St.
  • Washington Square Garage, 111 Woodbury Blvd.
  • Sister Cities Garage, 28 N. Fitzhugh St.
  • Court St. Garage, 194 Court St.

Local law enforcement, in partnership with state police, are ramping up their DWI road checks in preparation for the holiday. In order to ensure a safe evening, the Regional Transit Service is offering free bus rides from 6:00pm – 1:00am.

Veronica Volk is a senior editor and producer for WXXI News.