Lauren Baron
BRANT NEWS

As the clock strikes midnight, Brant residents will have plenty of options to ring in 2013.

“The greatest five-minute fireworks show ever” will light up the sky during the annual Times Square in Harmony Square in downtown Brantford.

“When people talk about New Year’s Eve and, in particular, outdoor New Year’s Eve events, it’s always sort of capped off and sealed with an extravagant fireworks display,” said Lori Dawn Cavin, manager of community recreation development with the City of Brantford.

“We just want to give our community the very best that we can so that people don’t feel they need to drive to Niagara Falls or need to drive to other areas.”

Starting at 6 p.m., families will be treated to a free evening of skating (weather permitting), entertainment and a celebration of the year to come.

Tragically Hip tribute band the Practically Hip headlines the event, which also includes a fire manipulation show and the Stars of Pop, with tributes to Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.

“It’s about celebrating the community,” Cavin said. “That is what Harmony Square is all about. It’s a gathering hub for our citizens and it’s a place to come together and celebrate.”

Local residents can also celebrate the new year in Paris during Brant New Year’s at the Paris Fairgrounds, featuring Rob Kirkham and Neon Rain. Dance to the DJ stylings of Sensational Sounds, enjoy food stations with a country flair and create one last memory of 2012 in a photo booth. Tickets cost $55 and include food, entertainment, a champagne toast and party favours. Call 519-875-4891, e-mail tickets@brantnewyears.ca or visit www.brantnewyears.ca for information.

If roots-rock is more your style, Club NV is hosting a New Year’s party with Derek Miller and special guests Jace Martin, The Bad Guys and The TruRez Crew. Tickets cost $10. Call 519-512-0080 for information.

The Polish Hall on Pearl Street will say goodbye to the old and ring in the new with a dinner and dance starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $85 per person and include dinner with wine, a dance led by DJ Brian Grosvold, a champagne toast and midnight buffet. Call 519-753-0414 for more information.

The Gunners Club will host a New Year’s Eve dance featuring the music of Loose Ends starting at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at the bar.

Moose Lodge will hold a dance and buffet from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. with party favours and music by Bert’s DJ. Call 519-753-0175 for more information.

At Dunsdon Legion, a New Year’s Eve dance will run from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. and feature the music of Jukebox Band.

If a dinner is more to your taste, or you’re looking for a way to start off the festivities, restaurants across Brant– including Symposium Café, Kirby’s Bar and Buffet, Paris by the Grand Family Restaurant and La Cantinella Ristorante Italiano in St. George – are offering a special New Year’s-inspired meal.

To help you travel safely, Brantford Transit will offer free transit service on New Year’s Eve from 6:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. Call 519-753-3847 or visit www.brantford.ca/transit for more information.