Dozens are braving the chilly and wet weather to ring in the new year a little early. 

Festivals Kelowna along with the City of Kelowna and various community partners have put their powers together once again to bring locals the 8th annual Valley First New York New Years event hosted in Jim Stuart Park. 

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The free to attend event was created out of a need for earlier family-friendly NYE events within the city. Ticking all of the boxes to create a fun and festive way to celebrate a new year, attendees can enjoy all the excitement of NYE without having to stay up past their bedtime. 

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In addition to the tradition of outdoor ice skating, attendees can look forward to countless outdoor activities such as games, face painting, a glow tent and dancing along to live music courtesy of very talented Okanagan musicians. 

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If the rain begins to dampen your spirits, you can grab a snack at one of the onsite food trucks and head inside the community theatre for cartoons on the big screen, crafts, table top games and warmth. 

There are also countless spots to stop for a fun photo op with twinkling lights, helping you to commemorate the final hours of the decade.

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The best part of the night comes at 9 pm sharp as after a countdown with city councillor Ryan Donn, a dazzling fireworks display will light up the downtown core marking an early celebration for the new year!