FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) – The stage is set as South Florida prepares to welcome the new year.
Along Himarsea Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale, final preparations were underway for the first Downtown Countdown.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said, “Fort Lauderdale once again invites neighbors, visitors and everyone in the community to join us in celebrating the new year of 2025.” Ta.
Starting Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., every city block will be transformed into a free New Year’s Eve party.
This family-friendly event will feature face painting, bounce houses, live entertainment, food vendors and more.
And just a stone’s throw from the frenzied crowds floats an anchor, a symbol of Fort Lauderdale’s marine life.
“The anchor is a symbol of Fort Lauderdale, the maritime capital of the world and the Venice of America, and we embrace all things nautical. And the anchor certainly represents what that is.” I think so,” Trantalis said.
The crowd counts down from below and the icon’s anchor lowers as the clock strikes 12 o’clock.
“It’s a 900-pound steel anchor with 5,000 lights, LED lights inside, and we installed it yesterday,” said Todd Stilfen with the City of Fort Lauderdale. It takes five to six people to lift the crane, and it takes two to three hours just to lift the crane. ”
This is all a big undertaking for Broward to come together and celebrate all the good things that happen in the new year.
“It helps announce 2025. So (plays noisemaker) Happy New Year everyone,” Trantalis said.
The street festival will run until 1 a.m. Wednesday. Click here for more information.
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