First Night Ocean County Offers Family Fun On New Year's Eve

(Jugglers perform at First Night Ocean County, Courtesy Exit82.com)

While New Year’s Eve conjures up images of drunken parties for some, there are plenty of folks who want nothing to do with that scene.

That was the original impetus behind the creation of First Night events throughout the country -- a way to take the emphasis off the alcohol while still celebrating the passing of the old year into the new.

First Night Ocean County, which has been in existence for more than a dozen years, continues that tradition this week in Seaside Heights.

The event, sponsored by the Lakewood BlueClaws, runs from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights. Bracelets for the event can be purchased in advance for $5 at the County Connection at the Ocean County Mall or at any of the participating arcades. Each family member must have a bracelet.

Participating arcades are: Casino Arcade – Grant Avenue and Boardwalk; Lucky Leo’s Arcade – Hamilton Avenue and Boardwalk; Coin Castle Arcade – Sumner Avenue and Boardwalk, and the Shake Shoppe Arcade – Hancock Avenue and Boardwalk.

There is entertainment throughout the day, with shows for the children, balloon artists, face painting, raffles, and arcade games. If weather permits, there will be fireworks at the Seaside Boardwalk starting at 5 p.m. The current forecast from the National Weather Service is for clear skies on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

For more information, call 732-830-3700 or visit them online.