Ring in the New Year early with this downtown event

A hallmark event in the city is back with the opportunity to ring in an early New Year.

The Valley First New York New Year's Eve will take over Stuart Park on Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The family-friendly evening will have a rotating line-up of live bands each hour, food trucks serving 'glove-friendly' treats, outdoor activities, a kids activity zone, skating on the outdoor rink, and of course, fireworks.

The countdown and fireworks happens at 9 p.m., the same time the world famous ball drops in New York City's Times Square.

"It's nice to have that ringing in of the New Year early, because you can continue on your merry way after 9 p.m.," Festivals Kelowna Executive Director Renata Mills said. "You get to have two parties in one night."

Music will start at 6 p.m. with young rockers 'Freeze the Fall', followed by classic rock act 'The Harshmellows' at 7 p.m., and south Okanagan country stars 'The Hillside Outlaws' hitting the stage at 8 p.m.

The fireworks display will be visible along the waterfront from The Sails to the Kelowna Yacht Club.