New Year’s Eve at Pearson Park in 2011 had tea and crumpets and two fireworks shows. New Year’s Eve 2012 had a chicken.
“We’re dropping the chicken in honor of Sanderson Farms, and all they do for this community,” Kinston-Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Director Bill Ellis said. “And, the band is great, the fireworks are even better, and it’s a fun night.”
A small crane held – and later dropped – a rather large representation of a chicken, next to the left corner of the stage where the TAZZ band played during the event. The band drew a few of its own followers to the park, including Grayling and Sue Hobbs.
“We have a family member in the band, and we’re staying in Kinston tonight at their home, so we’re coming out tonight to enjoy the festivities,” Sue Hobbs said.
She added that in the new year they were looking forward to new beginnings and Grayling’s retirement. In four months, he’ll be ending a 30-year career in law enforcement.
Across the park a group of children gathered around a fire-lit barrel, roasting marshmallows.
“We have our afterschool program here – the Carolina H.E.A.T. Martial Arts Academy,” said academy owner Allison McCoon. After spending time at the park, the children went to a New Year’s Eve sleepover. “One of my kids’ parents works for the City of Kinston and let us know about it.”
McCoon said that out of everything, she’s just looking forward to a good new year.
The Parks and Recreation Department and VisitKinston sponsored the celebration.
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 or wes.wolfe@kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at WolfeReports.
Breakout Box
ALL CLOSED NEWS YEAR’S DAY
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