New Year starts early for the preschool set in Des Plaines and Schaumburg

The sound of noisemakers pierced the air as 400 brightly colored balloons descended to the floor, as more than 40 children and their parents rang in the new year, albeit 12 hours early, at the second annual Preschool Noon Year's Eve Party at the Prairie Lakes Community Center in Des Plaines.

Crafts, coloring, sparkly hats, noisemakers, games, and fun preceded the giant Noon Balloon Drop, after which it took all of 10 minutes for the pint-size revelers to stomp and pop every last balloon that hit the floor.

For 4-year-old Charlie Johler of Des Plaines, the highlight of the event was "the flying balloons." For Laura Taccona of Des Plaines and her two children the event was "an opportunity to see some preschool friends, get out of the house and do something fun for the kids." And for Carmina Gonzalez of Des Plaines it was a chance "to look forward to the New Year with my 5-year-old daughter Galilea, and to have fun with her friends from preschool."

"This is the second year that we've done this event," said Karyn Roth, recreation supervisor for the Des Plaines Park District. "Everyone has all of the Christmas activities, so we wanted to do something different for New Year's Eve. It's been very successful, so we're very happy with it."

A similar event for 1- to 6-year-olds, called Itsy Bitsy New Year's Eve Countdown, was held by the Schaumburg Park District at the Sport Center. "This is a great way for families with younger children to celebrate New Year's Eve," said Karen Channon, the facility manager.