OLD ORCHARD BEACH — New Year’s Eve revelers can ring in 2012 Saturday night with fireworks, and start 2012 Sunday morning with a dip in the ocean.
Local economic development group OOB365 is hosting New Year’s Eve festivities for the third year in a row. “Last Blast” will feature fireworks, a bonfire on the beach, marshmallow toasting pits and hot chocolate.
Festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and will take place at the beach in front of the town square.
Festival-goers are also invited to bring in their old Christmas trees to help fuel the fire, said OOB365 President Sharri MacDonald, who is also a town councilor.
Early birds and those with young children can enjoy the first round of fireworks at 5:30 p.m., which MacDonald said will be set to music.
Night owls can welcome the New Year with fireworks at the stroke of midnight.
Admission to Last Blast is free, but those who buy festival buttons for $10 can enjoy perks such as a shuttle to hotels in town, discounts at local businesses through Jan. 10 and a free day pass to Aquaboggan water park to use next summer.
Last year, more than 2,000 people attended the event, and organizers expect a large turnout this year as well, said MacDonald.
MacDonald said she has had requests for Last Blast buttons from New York and Massachusetts and local hotels are booking rooms.
“It’s just a great weekend to come down” to Old Orchard Beach, said MacDonald.
Saturday night festivities will be followed by the 24th annual Special Olympics Maine lobster dip. At noon, thrill seekers will run into the icy waters of the Atlantic, then quickly run out. Participants go alone or in teams, and some dress up in costume. As well, many people line up to watch the event every year.
“It seems we have kind of a cult following,” said Special Olympics Maine President and CEO Phil Geelhoed.
The event is one of the top fundraisers for the organization, he said, and all proceeds benefit Special Olympics programs in Maine.
Last year, New Year’s Day brought warm weather and the event raised more than $100,000 and had about 370 participants. Dippers must raise at least $100 to participate.
Geelhoed said officials expect a good turnout this year as well, and Sunday is expected to be sunny and around 40 degrees.
“I think it’s going to be a great day to take a swim in Old Orchard Beach,” said Geelhoed.
Immediately following the dip, there will be a post-dip party at The Oceanside Grille with live music and complimentary food. Showers and rest rooms will be available for use at The Brunswick.
Registration runs the day of the event from 9-11:30 a.m.
Event organizers have added two registration days for those who wish to beat the rush on Sunday morning, and to help ensure the event runs on time.
Those who wish to register early can do so at the Special Olympics office, 125 John Roberts Road, Unit 19 in South Portland on Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and at The Brunswick on Saturday from 1-5 p.m. For more information, go to www.specialolympicsmaine.org.
For more information about Last Blast, call MacDonald at 590-4201.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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