By Taylor J. Hale
Special to the Gazette

STEVENS POINT — A resounding din loudly rings each New Year’s Eve in Wisconsin as night stretches across the
frigid winter climate. But not everyone who wants to commemorate the upcoming year has an all-night curfew.

The annual New Year’s at Noon event, hosted by the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum (CWCM), Dec. 31, gives children and families a chance to celebrate during the day, so no one misses the opportunity to welcome in the new year. People from all around the county come to rejoice, make crafts and partake in a noon balloon drop, in substitution of a midnight one. This year saw nearly 300 participants in total.

Mother Jaqueline Stashek with her children Isabelle, Alayna and Phineas enjoying their time at the New Year’s at Noon event.

“New Year’s at Noon started years ago by a group of parents actually,” said Sandy Williams, CWCM staff member. “They came to us with the idea to have a fun and safe event for their kids to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and not have to stay up until midnight. So we have our party at noon.”

The program has been running consecutively for nearly a decade now. It started as a small gathering of CWCM supporters but has branched into a tradition that now attracts as many as several hundred guests each year. Earnings from admissions and requested donated items, such as art supplies and more, all circulate back into the museum’s curriculum.

“This is one of the fundraising events we do to help us throughout the year,” Williams explained. “We have some fantastic volunteers from groups like the Ben Franklin National Honor Society and the Stevens Point Area Retired Teachers’ Association.”

(Photo: Taylor Hale)

Williams sees the event as a way for families in the area to get acquainted with each other, and the museum. Giving them a forum to connect while their children explore the exhibits and crafting stations.

“It is a great opportunity for kids and parents to get together and bond,” she said. “Not only with each other but with other families throughout the community.”

New Year’s at Noon gives children a chance to welcome the new year with festive glee alongside friends and family while aiding the museum’s future curricula. The event will be taking place again next year.

For more info on the New Year’s at Noon program and other CWCM activities visit their website at http://www.cwchildrensmuseum.org.