Ringing in the new year

Countless people will make the trek to New York to see the New Year's Eve Ball. The new gem, "Let There Be Light" was designed by Waterford Crystal. It features sunbursts on 672 crystal triangles. More than 9,000 LEDs replace its previous 600 incandescent and halogen bulbs, creating more than 16 million colors and billions of patterns.

However, if you want to save yourself the misery of holiday travel, you can find a local diamond drop and a whole lot more at the fifth annual Des Plaines New Year's Eve on the Plaza.

"It's like a miniature Times Square when the strobe light diamond-shaped ball descends down the flag pole," said Karen Henrikson, public relations officer for Des Plaines. "Officials address the crowds; there's the countdown, and electronic fireworks and confetti cannons."

Of course, the shiny 4-foot-tall and 2-foot-wide metal and wood ornament with 100 flashing 25-watt bulbs is not the only tidings of comfort and joy for visitors. There's bingo, raffles, bowling, carriage and trolley rides, and New Year's novelty crafts.

"No matter what age you are, you can plug into something," said resident and attendee Bill Hansen. "All the community comes together."

New this year to the "all-free" event are some satellite locations and a presentation by the Radio Disney Party Patrol.

The popular event has grown from its first year's attendance of 1,500 to about 5,000 last year. This time around, organizers are expecting up to 7,000.

"Originally, we were just out of the library," Henrikson said. "But we outgrew that and now have venues throughout the downtown area."

That presented a challenge for the town. Pedestrian traffic and family needs required addressing.

"We worked hard with the police department to make sure they would direct traffic over the tracks," said Jim Wozny, the event's chairman. "We wanted everything to be safe with different locations."

During the festivities, Jewels and Twister the clowns will make sure everyone is merry and bright. Jason Kollum's job will be providing visions of juggling dancing through heads. Route 66 will sing through musical decades. Team mascots will visit and children will find cheer with karaoke.

"It's always a hot spot for kids," said Henrikson. "Everyone also loves when the mayor stops by to sing his favorite song, 'Shaboom.' "

Resident Debbie Goumas says she appreciates everything Mayor Tony Arredia does, including creating the alcohol-free, family-oriented affair.

"I love everything the mayor has done to make Des Plaines what it is," she said. "I love how he made this non-alcoholic because that appeals to families."

"This is the only place in the Northwest suburbs where you can drop Grandpa off at bingo, drop the kids at karaoke, and you go to the theater," said Wozny.

If you go

The fifth annual "New Year's Eve on the Plaza" will feature events in locations throughout downtown Des Plaines.

When: 6 p.m.-12:30 p.m. New Year's Eve

Cost: Free to Des Plaines residents

Transportation: 7 p.m.-12:30 p.m., free trolley transportation with stops at First United Methodist Church, St. Mary's, history center, library, Des Plaines Theatre, and Metropolitan Square

Web: www.desplaines.org/newyearseve

Event schedule

Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St.

6-7:30 p.m. Radio Disney Party Patrol kicks off event (doors open at 5:45; open to first 250 people)

7:30-10 p.m. Face Painting by Diane Hardy, Twister the Balloon Clown, Jewels the Clown

7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 p.m. Jason Kollum, family juggling and variety show

7:45-9:15 p.m. "High School Musical"

9:30-11 p.m. "High School Musical"

Des Plaines Library - 1501 Ellinwood

7:30-10 p.m. Carriage rides, appetizers and refreshments while supplies last.

7:45-10:30 p.m. Route 66, female a cappella quartet

9-9:30 p.m. Winners of the Des Plaines Park District Idol contest

11 p.m. New York City countdown

11:30 p.m. Midnight raffles from main stage

11:15-12:30 p.m. Midnight Extravaganza: DJ, confetti cannons, party favors, Electronic Fireworks, the "Diamond Drop" and countdown at midnight

Sim's Bowl, 1555 Ellinwood

7:45-8:45 p.m. and 8:45-9:30 p.m. Free bowling; limited tickets distributed at library starting at 7:30 p.m.

Des Plaines Historical Society, 781 Pearson St.

7:30-11 p.m. Crafts for the Kids

First United Methodist Church, 666 Graceland

7:30-11 p.m. Family karaoke; doors open at 7

St. Mary Church, 795 Center St.

7:30-11 p.m. Senior bingo; doors open at 7; must be at least 18