SOUCHERAY: Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Woodbury

It’s not even Christmas yet, and this column is here to relay information about celebrating New Year’s Eve. That’s because enjoying the evening at Bielenberg Sports Center will require some thinking ahead and advance planning if you want to take in the fun events offered on that evening. New Year’s Eve marks the end of one year, as it ushers in the new and hopeful year ahead. It offers both excitement and anticipation.

In the olden days, many couples would hire a babysitter for their young children and go out for the evening. This trend seems to have changed in the past decade or so, as more families mark this special evening together by spending it enjoying music, games, skating and fun.

Woodbury has capitalized New Year’s Eve, and perhaps has even been a catalyst toward this end, as it has opened a landmark to help move our city in the groundbreaking direction of family unity on this important night.

The Bielenberg Sports Center, located at the corner of Radio Drive and Bailey Road, features an amazing experience on December 31, from 6 – 9 pm for the first 600 visitors to enter its doors. The cost for the evening is $8.00 per person, for tickets purchased in advance, and $10.00 for those purchased at the door.

If you go, you will find a vast array of experiences in which to treat yourself and your family, providing memories for the entire upcoming year. So much so, that it’s likely you’ll be first to sign up for next year’s event.

You will find open skating, as well as a Skating Exhibition by the Woodbury Figure Skating Club. The open skating will be held on one of the sheets of ice and the skating exhibition on the other. There is skate rental if you are unable to bring your own skates. The cost of the rental is $4.00 per person. In past years, there have been enough skates available to rent for everyone who has needed them.

You and your family can also enjoy games of mini-golf on the turf in the soccer dome, as well as an obstacle course and a moonwalk. In the moonwalk, you will find slides and a myriad of fun activities to keep the kids busy and engaged. In addition, the ever-popular game of Bingo will be held in an adjoining room.

Concessions will be available at the concession stand, which will include hot dogs, popcorn and various candies and soda. Additionally, Noodles and Company will host a craft table, at which guests will make noodle art to take home with them.

There will be music provided by a deejay throughout the evening and time to connect and enjoy special time with your children and friends. As the event is limited to the first 600 people, please call the Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department at 651-714-3583 to inquire about availability.

At the conclusion of the evening, there will be a drawing for prizes from local businesses, including Trader Joe’s coupons, free pizzas and coupons from several other area restaurants. This will not require guests to buy an extra raffle ticket. Your entrance ticket for the evening will serve as your raffle entry.

This is a fabulous event that invites all Woodbury residents to come out and enjoy New Year’s Eve as a family in a healthy, wholesome way. Make a plan to attend this year and put it on your calendar for years to come.

Kate Soucheray is a Woodbury resident.

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