Questions

Bring 2010 into Port, our December 31, 2009, Celebration

Tips for enjoying New Year’s Annapolis:

• Plan ahead, prioritize what you would like to see the most and schedule early
• Be Flexible
• Car Pool
• Park at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium and catch a free shuttle
• Dress warmly and in layers
• Buy your Badges early

Where can I pick up the badges I bought online?

• Your Badges will be available for pick-up at:
  • Mills Fine Wine & Spirits, 318 Sixth Street
    – December 31 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Fleet Feet Annapolis, 318 Sixth Street - Runner's badges only
    – December 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Can I buy badges online the night of the event?

• No, online sales closed on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 10 p.m.
• After online sales are closed you can buy badges at the sites listed below.

Can I buy badges the night of the event?

• On December 31, event badges will be available for sale from 4 p.m. to midnight at:
  • St. Anne's Church
  • City's Recreation Center
  • St. Mary's Church
  • City Dock
  • Annapolis Elementary School

Who's in charge of New Year's Annapolis?

• Brendan Curley, the Event Director of the Annapolis' New Year’s Eve celebration, has extensive history in the successful planning of events like the Maryland Heritage Festival and Maryland Seafood Festival.
• He will be coordinating the event with the help of a group of seasoned community leaders with new and exciting ideas.

What entertainment is planned and where?

• New Year’s Annapolis is featuring the city “as its stage.”
• The event will showcase over 15 different venues in and around Annapolis, in 15 warm, indoor venues.
• There will be performances especially for children.
• Expect two fireworks displays – an early one for families to enjoy and a traditional midnight spectacular
  
• There is something for everyone!
• Event brochure (includes map of event sites)

What about parking and transportation?

• More than 3000 parking spots will be available for New Year's Annapolis. Patrons are urged to park in one of the following parking lots. If these are full, you may park at the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium ($5 fee with a free shuttle ride into town).
  • Park Place - at Westgate Circle
  • Gotts Court Garage - 25 Northwest Street, near the visitors center
  • Noah Hillman Garage - just off Main Street
  • Knighton Garage - Colonial Drive at West Street
  • Bladen Street Garage - near the State House - FREE PARKING
  • Whitmore Garage - across from Gotts Court Garage
• All the garages and the stadium lot will charge a flat fee of $5; parking at the Bladen Street Garage is FREE
• A free shuttle will run every 10 minutes from all the parking locations, including the stadium, on a modified Navy Blue route. A map of this route, which shows all the parking locations, is available at the City's website, or by clicking here.
• VIP badge holders may park at the Fawcett Boat Supplies parking lot.
• Handicapped parking will be available at the Donner lot (next to Fawcett's)
• Parking at the Green Street lot is for volunteers and performers only.
• The eCruisers electric vehicles will be running throughout the New Years Annapolis venues providing free, eco-friendly rides. Just flag them down!

Will there be food and drink available at New Year's Annapolis?

• Pizza and soft drinks will be available: at the Rec Center from 3 -9 p.m.
• Atwater's Annapolis, located at the Market House, will offer hot soup and beverages and Mangia's will sell pizza by the slice at the Rec Center and in its restaurant, 81 Main Street.
• Look for our Kettle Corn and Gourmet Funnel Cakes downtown.
• All downtown restaurants and bars will be open as well.
• Food and drink may not be taken inside any of the venues.

Who is sponsoring New Year's Annapolis?

• New Year's Annapolis has support from the City of Annapolis.
• Through a partnership with ARINC, $2 from every ticket sold online will go to the charity of the purchaser's choice.
• Stay tuned for more partnership and sponsors announcements in the coming weeks.
  

Is this the same event held last year? Is it a First Night event?

This event is based on the “First Night” concept of providing families with a safe and fun environment, but it is not affiliated with “First Night.” New Year's Annapolis last year drew over 7,000 participants in spite of the unusually cold weather. Higher numbers are expected this year.

Where will the event take place?

So far there are over 15 participating venues, and they are warm, indoor venues, in and around historic Annapolis, including: City Dock, the City's Recreation Center, Annapolis Elementary School, St. Mary’s Church, Maryland State Teachers Association, Circuit Courthouse, First Presbyterian Church, St. Anne's Church, and other exciting stops along the way. The great stops and different locations help showcase Annapolis and really do make the city our stage. | Event brochure (includes map of event sites)

What kind of activities will take place?

This unique and fun event will showcase the creativity and incredible talent of the many artists who will perform in and around downtown. Interactive venues, and live musical entertainment will showcase Annapolis’ historic ability to bring a community together in the spirit of the arts.

Will there be alcohol at this event?

No. New Year’s Eve Annapolis is an alcohol-free event. We are looking to provide the community with a fun and safe New Year’s Eve celebration. That being said, we cannot stop people from drinking at the numerous establishments that serve alcohol throughout the community. Designated Drivers who register at the Drink Responsibly Tent on City Dock, sponsored by Miller Lite and Buck Distributing, will be treated to free coffee and soft drinks at designated bars and restaurants throughout Annapolis.

Is this a non-profit event?

New Year’s Eve Annapolis is a for-profit organization, however, in conjunction with ARINC, $2 from any badge purchase will be available to our non-profit partners. Non-profit partners will be listed on the website and when you purchase a ticket you will be able to choose which non-profit to support. To become a non-profit partner please contact Brendan Curley.

How much are tickets? Where do I purchase tickets?

• The event Badges that grant you admission are available at Giant Food stores for $13 for adults and $10 for kids over age 5 and seniors through December 31, and at BB&T Bank's Eastport branch, 416 Sixth Street. Children age 5 and under will be admitted free.
• Online sales closed on December 30 at 10 p.m.
• If you bought your badges online, you may claim them on December 31 at Fleet Feet Annapolis, 318 Sixth Street, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or at Mills Fine Wine & Spirits, 318 Sixth Street on December 31 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• All venues are handicapped accessible. The celebration will take place rain or shine.
• We will be selling the badges on New Year’s Eve from 4 p.m. to midnight at: St. Anne's Church, the City's Recreation Center, St. Mary's Church, City Dock and Annapolis Elementary School.
• All venues are handicapped accessible.
• The celebration will take place rain or shine.
• The event venues are warm, indoor venues.

Is the City of Annapolis funding this event?

The City is providing venues and some infrastructure services at no cost.

Will there be fireworks?

There are going to be two fireworks displays! A 7:30 display for families with little ones and those who like to turn-in early, and - to ring in the new year at midnight - the spectacular ARINC Fireworks.

How many people are you expecting?

Last year over 7,000 people attended the New Year's event, this year we expect to top that number by offering more venues, activities and fun for people of all ages.

Photos: Paul Gillespie, The Capital