While the jet set was busy readying for the evening hours, the trike and bike set celebrated 2015 with Noon Year’s Eve on Wednesday at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum.
Children made noisemakers and cheered as they counted down to noon. Afterward, the cookies crumbled and the sparkling cider flowed.
About 120 people showed up to the party, including Nicole Ridenour, who brought her four children to ring in the new year with her kids.
“We love it here; we have a yearly membership. So whenever they have events, we try to go. And I figured we’d get to celebrate early with them in a place where it’s kid-friendly,” Ridenour said.
Her daughters Kendall and Natalia, both 9, said it was also a good way to celebrate their mom’s birthday, which was that day
“It sounded like fun for my mom’s birthday. There’s a lot to do,” Kendall said.
Even with all the fun, the girls hadn’t forgotten to make their new year’s resolutions. Natalia wants to be more active this year.
“I want to do soccer this year and have my skateboard lessons at the mall,” she said.
Amy Blasco, the museuem’s program director, said the celebration was a way to thank the community for their support.
“It’s a really fun time. We want the kids to come in and enjoy the holiday and get ready for the new year,” Blasco said.
Marlene Velazquez brought her two children, daughter Aubri, 4, and son, Ezra, 2, to celebrate the new year at noon.
“Our kids love the museum. In case we don’t make it to midnight tonight, it’s a good celebration for them. Our 4-year-old, her goal is to make it. Our 2-year-old, he’s going to go to bed early,” Ridenour said.
Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum Executive Director Chris Slaughter said the celebration was a way to celebrate last year’s revitalization of the museum and ring in a year of continued growth and support.
“We start the new year just grateful for the incredible community we live in, the families that spend time here learning and having fun, and we look forward to a new year with new exhibits and more weekly programs and more things for families to do,” Slaughter said.
Slaughter said the museum representatives have been overwhelmed by the community’s generosity and commitment to making the museum what it has become and hopes that commitment continues.
The museum is seeking sponsorship or volunteer help with some of its existing exhibits while developing new exhibits this year. Fit Fridays, space launch and farm-to-table exhibits are just some of the many offerings under development.
Story by Shelly Cone
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