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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Family Fun: Welcome the New Year a few hours early

If midnight is past your bedtime, there are still plenty of options for celebrating New Year’s Eve. In fact, some celebrations start as early as 11 a.m. on Tuesday. So head to the library, temple, brewery or lake to make some noise and welcome 2020.

Noon Year’s Eve

The Spokane Public Library kicks things off early in the day with Noon Year’s Eve parties at the South Hill and Indian Trail branches.

Starting at 11 a.m., there will be crafts and snacks for families and children of all ages, plus information about New Year’s traditions from around the world, said Becky Mace, a librarian at the South Hill branch. Then there will be a countdown to noon.

For Mace, who’s a parent, too, it’s all about celebrating at a time that works for children. “It’s fun because you get to have your kids involved in a New Year’s tradition, but you don’t have screaming children.”

Indian Trail Library: 4909 W. Barnes Road, (509) 444-5395

South Hill Library: 3324 S. Perry St., (509) 444-5385

Joya-E New Year’s Service

If you want to literally ring in the New Year, the Spokane Buddhist Temple is the place to go. During the Joya-E service, participants take part in ringing the Kansho bell 108 times.

According to the temple’s website, “This symbolically rings out the 108 delusions of woman and man and rings in our aspiration to overcome ignorance, greed and anger in the coming year.” The family-friendly services starts at 7 p.m. and is about 40 minutes.

“It’s one of the times when kids really are part of the service,” said Mari Haworth, a longtime member who does publicity for the temple. And it’s the only time that lay people get to ring the Kansho bell, she said. After the service, there will be a reception with sparkling cider and cookies.

Spokane Buddhist Temple: 927 S. Perry St., (509) 534-7954, spokanebuddhisttemple.org

Fireworks and Pavilion light show

Riverfront Park is celebrating the New Year with families in mind. The park’s 12-minute fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. And leading up to it is a special countdown light show at the Pavilion starting at 8 p.m. For those who don’t have to go to bed before midnight, a second countdown light show starts at 11 p.m.

Hours are extended for the park’s regular attractions on Tuesday. The skate ribbon will be open until 10 p.m., as will the café. The SkyRide will operate until 8 p.m. and the Looff Carrousel until 9 p.m. All attractions open at 10 a.m.

Riverfront Park: 507 N. Howard St., (509) 625-6600, riverfrontspokane.org

Fireworks on the lake

The Coeur d’Alene Resort is welcoming 2020 with two fireworks shows on the lake. The first will celebrate New Year’s East Coast time (meaning 9 p.m. our time). The second will be at the usual time: midnight.

Those early fireworks are scheduled for when children are leaving the resort’s New Year’s Grand Celebration – Diamond Soiree, which features a buffet dinner and live entertainment. Tickets to the soiree are $82 for adults ($100 at the door) and $25 for children ages 6-12 who must leave at 9.

But you don’t have to go to the party to watch the fireworks. They can be seen over the lake from multiple public viewing areas. The resort also will have a two-hour family cruise with views of the fireworks show. It departs at 7:30 p.m. and features family-friendly music and entertainment with no-host beverages and snacks.

Tickets for the cruise are $24.50.

Coeur d’Alene Resort: 115 S. Second St., Coeur d’Alene; (855) 703-4648; cdaresort.com/play/events/new_years

Brewing Fun

Iron Goat also will be celebrating New Year’s on East Coast time. Families are invited to come to the downtown Spokane tap room to play games – some will be available, or bring your own. The festivities are from 5-10 p.m., and the dress code is casual, with pajamas encouraged.

Matchwood Brewing in Sandpoint also is looking out for the kids. New Year’s Eve celebrations are 5-9:30 p.m. with a mocktail bar and indoor ball drop – plus beer specials for the adults.

Iron Goat Brewing: 1302 W. Second Ave.; (509) 474-0722; irongoatbrewing.com

Matchwood Brewing: 513 Oak St., Sandpoint; (208) 718-2739; matchwoodbrewing.com