What is purple, green, seven feet wide, 12 feet long and made of 4,500 LED lights, 150 purple balls, 40 that are internally illuminated, and 10 green illuminated leaves? It’s a glowing grape bunch at Temecula’s Grape Drop Countdown New Year’s Eve Bash, December 31.
Now in its sixth year, the family-friendly New Year’s celebration has become a popular tradition and has hit network news as a holiday favorite. The event features an East Coast (9 p.m.) and West Coast (midnight) countdown, each time accompanied by the slow descent of the grape cluster from the top of Temecula’s city hall.
From 5 to 6:30 p.m. families can decorate “New Year’s Eve Hats” at the Temecula Civic Center. The activity is free while supplies last. Beginning at 6 p.m. music picks up the festive pace with Entouraj, a high-energy, variety dance band that offers hit-making dance music and songs for all ages.
Resonate show choir will take the stage from 8:30 p.m. until after the first grape drop. This tight team of young performers dances, sings and charms the crowd. They will bring in the 9 p.m. countdown with their live rendition of Auld Lange Syne.
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. Kicking the party into the second drop festivities is Safety Orange, a popular beach rock band that tours the west with original and cover tunes. Creating that “chilled” SoCal feeling, Safety Orange has welcomed three New Year’s Eve Grape Drops and is as popular with young children as they are at San Diego’s best clubs plays until 12:15 a.m.
The entire evening is tied together with emcee and DJ Eric Cahill at city hall, and DJ Geoffrey Gaier at Front and Main Street. Patio heaters will be provided at Town Square and the quad at the Civic Center. Spectators are encouraged to bring 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 while waiting for the countdown.
For a schedule of Old Town Temecula events contact the City of Temecula, (951) 678-1456 or visit temeculacalifornia.com.