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Millbrook to welcome the New Year with music, magic and community fun

MILLBROOK — Millbrook residents are invited to gather with friends and neighbors to ring in the New Year at a community celebration held across two nearby venues — Lyall Community Church and Grace Church — on Wednesday, Dec. 31. The two churches are located just a few minutes’ walk from one another in the heart of the village.

The family-friendly festivities will run from 4 to 7 p.m., with activities taking place at both churches. Together, the venues will host a wide range of offerings for all ages, including live music, magic, interactive activities and opportunities to connect with neighbors in a welcoming, walkable setting.

The annual event is hosted by the Millbrook Rotary Club, Millbrook Arts Group, The Millbrook Library and the Village of Millbrook. Support services are provided by the Millbrook Police Department, and the celebration is made possible through the efforts of community sponsors and an extensive group of volunteers.

“New Year’s Eve Millbrook is about creating a space where everyone feels welcome,” said Michelle Del Valle, Millbrook Rotary Club Secretary, about the celebration.

“This year feels especially exciting because the evening offers something for every generation; from local live music that gets you moving, to magical storytelling that invites wonder, to the depth of community group collaboration and the shared moments that remind us how special it is to celebrate together,” she added.

Live music will set the tone throughout the evening, encouraging dancing and celebration. The Hammerhead Horns will perform blues, swing, boogie-woogie and gospel music. Miss Paula and The Twangbusters are billed as a full-tilt swing experience with upbeat, vintage-inspired sounds, while Nite Train will keep the energy high with rockin’ blues guaranteed to get people on their feet.
Additional family activities will include the Bubble Bus, a favorite among younger attendees, a live magic show, a puppet performance by the Grumbling Gryphons, balloon twisting and other community activities spread throughout both venues. Face painting will also be available.

Crêpes Royale, a longtime community favorite, will serve sweet crêpes throughout the event, and coffee from Spark will also be available.

Admission buttons, designed by Millbrook Central School District student Lydia Kascsak, are available for a suggested donation of $5. Buttons are available at a variety of merchants, including Merritt Bookstore, Reardon Briggs Hardware, Hunt and Harvest, Millbrook Antiques Center, and at the Thorne Center the night of the event.

For more information, go to www.millbrookrotary.org.

Leila Hawken
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