Region Gets Ready For Big Celebration

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday December 31, 2008

By BREE FULLER

FIREWORKS, frocks and festivities will be abundant tonight as New Year's Eve celebrations kick off around the Illawarra.

Despite the hard financial times, event organisers are getting set for a cracker evening.

North Gong Hotel manager Andrew King said ticket sales were lifting and he was expecting thousands of people.

"I think people are still going to come out and have a good night (regardless of the financial crisis)," Mr King said.

"Traditionally we have a pretty fun night with a big crowd outside - everyone usually brings the new year in in style. This year we're expecting up to 5000 people."

Families are expected to flock to fireworks at Kiama Harbour and Belmore Basin at 9pm and 9.30pm respectively.

Shellharbour Workers Club will also ring in the new year with an extra bang.

"We've got three lots of entertainment and two lots of fireworks at 9pm and 12," club entertainment co-ordinator Jenny Burch said.

"Going on past years it has been a great atmosphere in the club ... (but) we won't know what crowd we'll get until the night."

Fashion retailers have been the big winners, with many people buying new clothes for New Year's Eve parties and events.

"The financial crisis really hasn't made a difference," owner of Frolic Girls Kelly Kreilis said. "If a girl wants a dress, she'll buy it because she would rather not eat than have a bad dress.

"It's definitely going to be a normal party season. Everyone will have a party or go out regardless of their situation."

North Beach Boutique manager Amanda Davkovski said wearing new clothes is like beginning the year with a fresh start.

"People want to finish the year on a positive note and look at starting the new year with the same sort of positive attitude," Ms Davkovski said.

YOUR NYE CHECKLIST

? Agree on a meeting spot and time if someone with you gets lost.

? Give children a note with their name, phone number and address in case they get lost.

? Don't carry large sums of money - only what you need.

? Plan your trip carefully - study transport timetables.

? If you carry a bag or purse, hold it under your arm or in front of you. Never leave bags unattended.

? Carry your wallet inside your jacket or in your front pocket.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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