Family celebration starts early

Celebrate New Year's Eve with your family in the afternoon and then you can move on to an adult activity in the evening.

That is the philosophy behind the Elk Grove Park District's second annual Family New Year's Eve Party from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday at The Pavilion, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove.

The cost is $5 per person and tickets must be purchased by today, according to Margaret Holler, superintendent of marketing for the park district.

"Last year we did this in cooperation with the village as part of their 50th anniversary and we had such a great turnout that we wanted to keep it going," Holler explained.

More than 600 people attended last year's gala and a similar number is expected again this year, although, Holler admitted, last year the event was free.

"This year we got several community groups to help us sponsor it to keep the costs down and we are just charging $5 to cover our costs," she said.

The fee includes rides on the full-sized indoor carousel, swimming in the indoor pool, play for those 10 and under in "Jumps and Jiggles," the indoor playground with mazes, tunnels and slides, plus walleyball, basketball and kickball. There will also be a disc jockey, dancing and free ice cream, Holler stated.

"We wanted to provide a safe environment where you can celebrate New Year's Eve with your family," she said.

If you go

What: Family New Year's Eve Party, sponsored by the Elk Grove Park District

When: 3 to 6 p.m. Monday

Where: The Pavilion, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove

Cost: $5 per person, registration due today; stop by the Pavilion or the Al Hattendorf Center at 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd.

Call: (847) 437-9494 or www.elkgroveparks.org