Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

New Year’s Eve in Jacksonville

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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.

The Players Downtown Experience – Jacksonville, Florida

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As you know, it’s nothing but golf – golf – golf – this week and as part of the upcoming PLAYERS Championship, THE PLAYERS Downtown Experience returns for the third time to Downtown Jacksonville on Tuesday, May 5, through Sunday, May 10.

Tuesday
On Tuesday, May 5, you can visit the beautiful Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens for free from 4-9 p.m. sponsored by THE PLAYERS.

Wednesday
On Wednesday, May 6, the celebration continues at The Jacksonville Landing in conjunction with the First Wednesday Art Walk. The party begins at 5:30 p.m. Golf fans can enjoy highlights of THE PLAYERS on the big Jumbotron in the courtyard. There is also live music by Teddy Washington on the main stage. For those of you who want to play, how about trying out the “Nine Hole Challenge” (a nine-hole putting experience for fans of all ages) in the center Courtyard.

Besides participating in the art walk, you’ll also have the opportunity to actively participate and create art during Hospital Art PaintFest. At this event everyone is invited to help paint a series of murals that will be donated to a local hospital. No experience is necessary. The PaintFest will take place in the center Courtyard area and will be open to the public from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Golf

Thursday – Friday
The Golf Channel’s live coverage will be shown on the Jumbotron throughout the day on Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8. The fun “Nine Hole Challenge” is open from 5-9 p.m. both days, and while you’re playing you can enjoy live music on the main stage.

Saturday
On Saturday, May 9, it’s all about the family from 4 – 8 pm at the Landing. Enjoy the “Nine Hole Challenge,” Jax4Kids.com activities with exciting activities such as SNAG Golf, face painting and bounce house, “You Made the Cover,” and Wii Games. An expo will also be set up by PGA TOUR Charities. Live music begins with Park Street from 4-8 p.m., followed by Freeze Frame from 9-2 a.m.

Sunday
NBC Sports’ coverage of THE PLAYERS will air live on on the Jumbotron on Sunday, May 10, and Gypsy Highway will play on the Courtyard main stage from 5-9 p.m.