Leonardo's holds party for kids to celebrate 2009

By Bridget Nash, Staff Writer

December 31, 2008 10:58 pm

— The clock said 12:00. There was a ball drop. There was snapping and popping that sounded a lot like fireworks. And, there was cheering.
But, it wasn’t a late-night event this time. It was the Noon Year’s Eve party at Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse.
“It’s just an opportunity for families to be able to celebrate the New Year,” said Ashley Murphy, marketing coordinator. “Midnight is for adults and noon is for children.”
More than 200 children packed the party at Leonardo’s, and there were games aplenty, including a cake walk, a moon jump, face painting and many more.
There even were New Year’s snacks provided by McDonald’s and Mid-America Wholesale.
Various businesses and organizations provided games, activities and prizes for the children and Leonardo’s also provided some games.
There even was party music provided by PeeWee’s Mobile Music.
“For our first year, we’re very pleased with the turnout,” said Murphy. “It’s very important for children to celebrate all the important traditions of the holidays.”
The party began at 10 a.m. and ended at noon.
The official ball drop brought in the New Year, just 12 hours early.
The “ball” consisted of confetti-filled balloons, and the children were all given bubble wrap to pop, making the sound of fireworks.
And just maybe, they all got off to bed at a decent hour, before the “adult” New Year rang in.