As the end of 2019 quickly approaches, time is also winding down for a group of organizers to pull off an inaugural celebration at the Chatham Capitol Theatre to ring in the New Year.
For the past two years, Chris Glassford and a group of local residents have been planning Chatham-Kent's Rockin' New Year's Eve 2020. The festive celebration will involve live music, food, a cash bar, and a look at some of the highlights from 2019.
"We're adding a video segment that will have videos of everything that has happened over the course of 2019 in Chatham-Kent," said Glassford. "[There will be] a couple of video messages from local dignitaries and celebrities, wishing Chatham-Kent a Happy New Year. "
However, Glassford said they're also planning to include a ball drop, which could be "basic" or "grand", depending on the amount of support they receive. The group has set up a Go Fund Me page in order to raise $1,200 to order and ship the parts necessary to build a ball for the countdown.
"We do have a blueprint for this extravagant setup, using a steel frame and geodesic dome -- much like the Time Square Ball Drop. So that would be a fully lit nine-foot [in diametre] ball that would drop on the stage within the countdown time," he said. "If we have to go down to a kind of basic situation, there are about five different options we can use that are very much within our budget now. But we would love to make it big."
Aside from raising funds and planning for the ball drop, Glassford said most of what they need to do leading up to the event has been taken care of. Originally, Glassford said they thought of hosting the event at the Downtown Chatham Centre and doing something outdoors, however, due to logistics -- specifically in regards to the ball drop -- plans needed to change.
Glassford said in order to pull off the extravagant ball drop, they do need to have funds raised and parts ordered by mid-December.
"If the GoFundMe page doesn't work or if we don't find a sponsor in time, the party's still on and there is an alternative to the ball drop," he said.
Glassford also mentioned that if they do need to shift their plans to an alternative option, they will be working with theatre staff to make sure it's still enjoyable for attendees and offers a certain wow-factor.
The organizing group has also partnered with New Beginnings ABI and Stroke Recovery Association. Glassford said the organization will have a silent auction at the event where they will walk away with 100 per cent of the proceeds raised. Also, a percentage of the money raised from Chatham-Kent's Rockin' New Year's Eve ticket sales will go to the organization.
Those interested in attending the New Year's Eve bash in Chatham can click here. Tickets are $45 plus tax, plus handling.