Community Corner

New Year's Eve Giant Grape Drop Returns to Temecula Civic Center

The New Year's Eve countdown to the grape drop marks the fifth year for the celebration held in Old Town Temecula, according to this news release.

Temecula, CA - Southern California Wine Country has a glowing and growing New Year's Eve Tradition - The Great Temecula Grape Drop Countdown and New Year's Eve bash where an enormous bunch of illuminated grapes descends  from the City Hall Tower as the crowd on the square counts down to the New Year.

This is a free family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration with an east coast (9 p.m.) and west coast (midnight) countdown,  three bands in concert on the steps of city hall, and three other bands positioned outdoors  in the historic Old Town  district for New Year's Eve revelers to enjoy. And that's  just for starters.  

From 4:30 to 6:30 families and kids can decorate "New Year's Eve Hats" at the civic center. The activity is free whiles supplies last. Dynamite Dave, Grazie the Clown and the party jump  are in Town Square from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Grazie and Dynamite Dave will work in tandem creating balloon hats and then using other New Year's Eve props for fun photos. Dr. Goodjohn's Magic show will entertain guests from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

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Beginning at 6 p.m. music picks up the celebration pace with Big Truth, a popular local band that  plays sets of Fleetwood Mac tunes as the band  "Little Lies" band along with top 40 tunes.  Combined,  the five-piece band packs a huge sound with Lisa Jane Long, Andy Long, Jake Sale, Laurie Richardson and Mike Higbie.

At the Main Street parking lot, big band fans will be able to dance in the new year with the Valley Winds Big Band from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Sweet Lumpy's and Mad Madeline's will also have bands outside.  The Michael Chain Band will be playing their brand of rock and country at Mad Madeline's.

Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cloud, a vibrant top 40 band that performed until midnight at last year's New Year's party will play at city hall from 8:30 to 10:30. They will usher in the 9 p.m. new year and then turn the stage over to Safety Orange, an energetic three-piece beach rock band.   Started by Harry Elmore and Sol Turpin as a fun after-surf activity, the musicians created an original fun beach vibe - Beach Rock, a blend of rock, reggae, rap, punk, and Ska. Safety Orange plays until 12:30 a.m.

All the festivities at city hall, are centered around "Temecula on Ice," the city's seasonal ice rink. The Ice Rink is open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day with regular hour sessions.  A special session from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. offers more than three hours of ice skating  while waiting for the big midnight countdown. For additional information call: 951-297-9ICE (9423).

The place to be at 9 p.m. and midnight is Town Square Park, as all music stops and spectators wait for the Grape Drop Countdown. Made of over 90 sequined balls, 50 illuminated spheres, and 10 giant illuminated leaves, the glowing bunch of grapes is made of over 4,500 LED lights and is 12 feet long by 7 feet wide. Coined the "Great Grape Drop," the grapes signify Temecula's wine and agricultural industry. Added to the display will be Snowbell Rockin' Nights, a musical bell and snowfall light show that illuminates the Mission Style architecture of City Hall while treating the crowd to snow. The musical bells play three seasonal carols to synchronized lights.

"Each year the crowd gets bigger and the excitement greater,” stated Melody Brunsting who created both the grape drop concept and the grapes. "This is better than Time Square. Families hang out at the civic center playing board games, dancing with their children and it's free. You can choose your dinner from all the restaurants in Old Town, or bring a picnic basket, and then celebrate a giant countdown."

This is the fifth year for the celebration. Chairs and patio heaters will be provided at Town Square and the quad at the Civic Center but guests are encouraged to bring fold up chairs and wear warm clothing. Picnic baskets and blankets are welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring fold up chairs and wear warm clothing. Picnic baskets and blankets are welcome. Please be aware that it is illegal to have open containers of alcohol on Temecula’s streets and sidewalks. The civic center will also be open for families to play board games and stay warm waiting for the countdown.

For a schedule of Old Town Temecula events contact the City of Temecula, 951-678-1456 or visit temeculacalifornia.com.

—News release 


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