New Year’s Eve Fete Again Set at Rt.7/29 Junction
The “wintry mix” weather forecast for New Year’s Eve in the City of Falls Church is a double-edged sword for organizers of the 12th annual Watch Night celebration designed to bring in 2010 and the new decade in and around the intersection of Routes 7 and 29.
On the one hand, it means that folks may stay in their homes instead of going out to celebrate. On the other hand, it means that folks intent on ringing in the new year in a public place may be inclined to avoid traveling a greater distance, and discover the joys of New Year’s Eve in the Little City.
Unlike last year, despite precipitation, the temperature is forecast to remain above the freezing level. It’s frigid cold that is the real deterrent to doing anything outside, or even walking between indoor venues.
So, all this taken into account, Barbara Cram and other key organizers of this Thursday’s event have not ceased in their energetic efforts to provide all who show up in downtown Falls Church the best time possible. Indeed, there will be many options for having a good time, regardless of the weather.
A new feature aimed at foiling Mother Nature is a shuttle bus that will move in 20-minute loops between seven venues in the downtown area of Watch Night. A GEORGE bus will offer free rides linking the 100 block of West Broad (Rt. 7) that will be closed to traffic to the State Theatre and adjacent Center for Spiritual Enlightenment (CSE), and the Presbyterian and Anglican churches in the neighborhood (see map).
The 100 block of W. Broad will be closed to traffic at 5 p.m., and will be the location of the event’s main outdoor stage, where live entertainment will commence at 7 p.m., all the way to midnight. Weather permitting, it will be where the dropping of the historic Falls Church lighted star will occur following a countdown led by a collection of brave City luminaries.
With inclement weather, of course, comes an even greater emphasis on what restaurants in the area will be providing.
Here’s the line-up:
Ireland’s Four Provinces, no cover, will be offering a special three-course menu, a DJ and dancing, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. There will also be the regular menu, and dinner service will end at 11.
Dogwood Tavern, no cover, will offer its regular menu with party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and entertainment by the Robert Hornfeck Enterprise.
Argia’s will offer New Year’s Eve specials in addition to its regular menu.
Clare and Don’s, at $50 offers seven drinks, a champagne total at midnight, DJ Magic Markus, dancing and heavy appetizers all night. They also will have a “Walking Watch Night” menu of fried chicken, shrimp or fish with hot chocolate.
Maneki Neko, Pho 88, Pilin and Hunan Cafe will all offer “Walking Watch Night” menus, and Applebees will have a $4 “Perfect Margarita.”
Live entertainment will be offered in the Presbyterian, Anglican, and CSE churches, while the State Theatre is sold out for the Legwarmers.
The main stage is set to be the venue for the Speedy Tolliver, winner of the first Virginia Heritage Award in October, the local Pluckerland Band, Sarah Rodock, Samuel Waters, the Andrew Acosta Band, Northern Lights Big Band Orchestra and Mason High alums Katy Potrykus, Charlie Mann and Jake Savage.
Activities will include free popcorn, karaoke, a velcro wall, a castle slide, carousel, fire truck, magic shows, a caricaturist, face painting, balloon artists, scavenger hunt, free balloons for kids and more.
