Downtown Pensacola rings in the new year, party in Plaza Ferdinand.
Susan Jernigan came prepared to party. By 5 p.m. Thursday, the Pensacola resident had staked out the perfect spot next to Plaza Ferdinand to watch the downtown countdown and Pelican Drop.
Surrounded by family and friends, Jernigan opened a large box crammed with noisemakers, hats, tiaras and glow-in-the-dark decor.
"We're ready," she said. "And if someone comes along who doesn't have anything to wear for New Year's, I've got it right here."
Jernigan was among dozens of early birds waiting to ring in 2010 at the downtown celebration. The New Year's Eve street party featured a children's area, vendors, several stages of live music and fireworks.
Nathaniel Jenkins, 8, just wanted to see "the big bird fly."
The 13-foot-tall silver-colored pelican, scheduled to drop at midnight, glittered as it dangled from its crane next to Plaza Ferdinand.
"It's got a lot of lights," said Nathaniel, pointing at the sculpture. "It's pretty cool."
Downtown businesses were part of the party. At nearby Intermission, staff sold drinks on the busy sidewalk. Down at New York Nick's, crowds began to gather to celebrate the new year at 11 p.m., "on New York time."
Becky Bray, administrator of the Community Redevelopment Agency, which sponsored the Pelican Drop, hoped to see about 40,000 in attendance.
"Last year was our first year, and even better than we'd hoped," she said. "This year, we planned for the larger crowds. This is something we hope will stimulate the permanent businesses in downtown Pensacola."
Susan Jernigan came prepared to party. By 5 p.m. Thursday, the Pensacola resident had staked out the perfect spot next to Plaza Ferdinand to watch the downtown countdown and Pelican Drop.
Surrounded by family and friends, Jernigan opened a large box crammed with noisemakers, hats, tiaras and glow-in-the-dark decor.
"We're ready," she said. "And if someone comes along who doesn't have anything to wear for New Year's, I've got it right here."
Jernigan was among dozens of early birds waiting to ring in 2010 at the downtown celebration. The New Year's Eve street party featured a children's area, vendors, several stages of live music and fireworks.
Nathaniel Jenkins, 8, just wanted to see "the big bird fly."
The 13-foot-tall silver-colored pelican, scheduled to drop at midnight, glittered as it dangled from its crane next to Plaza Ferdinand.
"It's got a lot of lights," said Nathaniel, pointing at the sculpture. "It's pretty cool."
Downtown businesses were part of the party. At nearby Intermission, staff sold drinks on the busy sidewalk. Down at New York Nick's, crowds began to gather to celebrate the new year at 11 p.m., "on New York time."
Becky Bray, administrator of the Community Redevelopment Agency, which sponsored the Pelican Drop, hoped to see about 40,000 in attendance.
"Last year was our first year, and even better than we'd hoped," she said. "This year, we planned for the larger crowds. This is something we hope will stimulate the permanent businesses in downtown Pensacola."
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