After a scaled-down celebration a year ago — which featured no indoor performances, ball drop, or fireworks — the Kalamazoo New Year’s Fest will have a more familiar feel in its 36th year, as 2021 draws to a close and the community welcomes 2022. There will also be some new twists, with added entertainment in Bronson Park.
“Last year we were limited with what we could do because of the dynamics constantly changing due to COVID,” said Deb Droppers, who has been helping organize the event on behalf of the Kalamazoo Experiential Learning Center since 1993.
“This year, being able to go back to Bronson Park is allowing us to be able to bring back the ball drop and the fireworks and has also allowed us to expand our reach,” Droppers said.
Attendees at the Dec. 31 festivities will have four indoor venues they can visit at any point over the course of the evening, all of which are within walking distance of the downtown park and will require masks to be worn and COVID protocols to be followed. There will also be heated tents with entertainment on Church Street and in Bronson Park, as well as for the first time, music being performed on Bronson Park’s Rotary Stage.
Part of the reason for the additional outdoor entertainment this year, Droppers said, is to provide more options for people who may be uncomfortable going indoors due to rising COVID numbers in the area.
Entertainment kicks off in the park at 6 p.m. with a 30-minute performance of Harvey Phillip’s Tuba Christmas on the Rotary Stage. There will also be stilt walkers, theme characters and jugglers, along with a variety of pop-up entertainment in the park.
With the exception of those performing outside, who are just playing one set, all stages will feature repeat 30-45 minute performances over the course of the night. The schedule gives attendees the opportunity to “make the night their own and enjoy a variety of entertainment they may not normally seek out,” Droppers said.
From a massive Lego City set up inside the Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition to magic shows for the kids, to the reggae stylings of Zion Lion and blues guitar of Jake Kershaw, the country sounds of Tyler Roy Music and indie-pop flair of Ada LeAnn, along with jazz, rock, R&B and theatric performances, there is something for everyone.
The night will culminate with a countdown to the new year, with a ball drop, on the City Hall steps beginning at 11:45 p.m. Fireworks will fill the sky over downtown as midnight strikes.
Admission to the performance tents and venues requires the purchase of a $7 button. The buttons can be acquired in advance online or at any of 15 locations spread around the city, including at several local Harding’s Market locations. Children 3 and under are free and buttons jump to $10 in price on the day of the event.
Alcohol will not be permitted inside any of the indoor venues, but those who have purchased a drink within the Kalamazoo Central Commons District are welcome to bring it into Bronson Park, Droppers said.
Each indoor venue will have its own set of COVID restrictions for people to follow, but all are requiring masking for everyone age 2 and over. The Farmers Alley Theatre will require proof of vaccination or negative COVID test taken in the last 72 hours.
“Since its inception, in 1986, these churches have been a part of the fabric of this festival,” Droppers said of the festival’s three longest-running venue hosts. “They are the ones who have said we want to open our doors and support the performing arts and bring in the community to celebrate together the unique and amazing talent that we have right here in Kalamazoo.
“They have held our hands to make this event work year after year.”
For more information, possible performance updates, a list of where to buy admission buttons and at-home streaming options, visit www.NewYearsFest.com.
Attendees are also invited to download a New Year’s Fest app which will help guide them through the evening’s entertainment schedule. The free app can be downloaded through Apple or Google Play by searching “New Year’s Fest.”
According to mlive.com. Source of photo: internet
