Ring in the New Year downtown Jacksonville

New Year’s is always a big deal in Jacksonville, and not only because of the big game. Many of us can’t wait to say goodbye to 2009 and ring in a new brighter year. Come to downtown and plan to spend the day!

Downtown Jacksonville starts its celebration early with a 5K run. The Vystar 5K run is held at 1:30 pm right before the Gator Bowl Parade, and runs along the parade route.

Gator Bowl Parade
Then at 3:00 pm it’s time for the big parade. The Gator Bowl parade hits 60 this year, but this won’t stop this parade from going strong. Traditionally the parade includes floats from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Fernandina Pirates, the Shriners and a huge variety of colorful floats, music from both high school bands and college bands, and much more.

The parade starts at the Prime Osborn Convention Center and on Water Street in front of the Federal Reserve Bank. It continues east on Water Street to Independent Drive, left on Laura to Bay Street, following Bay street back to the Prime Osborn Convention Center.

After the parade you can head to the Landing for pep rallies for the football fans, the Christmas Tree Light shows, and then it’s a New Year’s Party with live entertainment on stage.

There’s also a Party in the Park at Metropolitan Park, beginning at 5:00 pm. with live music from Donavon Frankenreiter and others.

Fireworks
At midnight it’s time for the grand finale of the evening when we count down to 2010. Spectacular fireworks will light up the sky and reflect in the waters of the St. Johns River. The fireworks are actually shot from barges located in the river right in front of The Jacksonville Landing, the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Metropolitan Park.

The fireworks can be viewed from the Northbank and Southbank. For more information, call (904) 630-3690.