Wyatt Flowerdew, left, Gabriella Dunn, Aunti Bobbi the Clown and Jaiden Lo are prepped to party at Finale 2013. Nanaimo’s family New Year event happens at Beban Park Social Centre with swimming, skating, games, entertainment, crafts and more Tuesday (Dec. 31) 5-10 p.m.

Wyatt Flowerdew, left, Gabriella Dunn, Aunti Bobbi the Clown and Jaiden Lo are prepped to party at Finale 2013. Nanaimo’s family New Year event happens at Beban Park Social Centre with swimming, skating, games, entertainment, crafts and more Tuesday (Dec. 31) 5-10 p.m.

Plenty of parties to help ring in the new year in Nanaimo

NANAIMO – Family-oriented events offer activities for all ages.

If you’re still looking for a family-oriented New Year’s Eve celebration to attend in Nanaimo then you’re in luck because there are a handful of celebrations happening in the city.

It’s country-themed family fun for the City of Nanaimo this year. The city will be holding Finale, its year end festivities at Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Rd., from 5-10 p.m.

“This really is the premier family New Year’s Eve event in Nanaimo. We have something for every member of the family from swimming and skating to great music and dancing,” City of Nanaimo recreation coordinator Deborah Brook said, in a press release. “This year we are pleased to have as our partners the Nanaimo Clippers to help with games and Kool & Child who will be helping kids make some fantastic crafts.”

The City of Nanaimo is encouraging everyone to bring out the cowboy boots, hats and vests. In addition to performances from Jake West, Bill Perison and The Big Mess, Sara Raymond and Foot Clan/Lost Boyz from Vibe Dancers, there will also be two countdowns. The first countdown will begin at 8 p.m., and the final one will be held at 10 p.m. Tickets are $10; $25 for a family of 4 and can be purchased at the Beban Park box office.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the city-held family-oriented New Year’s Eve celebration, then consider bowling. Brechin Lanes is offering family-oriented, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve parties. Brechin Lanes is offering a $100 special of two hours of all you can bowl for a maximum of six people. The package includes glow bowling, a large pizza, bottomless pop, a ginger ale toast, party favours, games and prizes.

Party times are from 5-7 p.m. and from 8-10 p.m. To book a lane call 250-753-2341 and for more information visit www.brechinlanes.ca.

Nanaimo News Bulletin