Get ready to ring in 2019 in Cape Coral
As we get set to ring in the new year, Cape residents can take to various locations throughout the area to watch the ball drop or take in a firework spectacular in farewell of 2018 and hello to 2019.
The newly re-developed Southeast 47th Terrace will play host to the South Cape Hospitality & Entertainment Association’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop on Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
It will stretch from Southeast 9th Place to Southeast 11th Place.
“This is the first South Cape New Year’s Eve celebration, and it’s an ideal location. People are going to love the new streetscape. We’re setting up the stage at a central location so it should be a great view for everyone,” said SCHEA Director Karmen Forrester.
Taking to that stage will be local bands Signal III (7-9 p.m.) and Soulixer ( 9 p.m.-1 a.m.).
Signal III plays classic and modern rock covers, while Soulixer features a unique collection of funk/soul, with a modern rock vibe.
The free event is open to all ages, and will provide a fun, celebratory atmosphere for all demographics.
“There will be live music from 7 p.m. to 1a.m., so you can expect lots of dancing and celebration. Food trucks will be serving up some staples as well as unique dishes. SCHEA will be selling 2019 light-up glasses for only $2, and a massive drop of beach balls at midnight? Now that’s going to be fun!” said Forrester.
Yes, in true Floridian style, there will be thousands of beach balls dropped, along with a special, custom made beach ball by a local business owner.
“South Cape has a lot to offer, and that includes our nightlife,” said Forrester of why this event is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. “A lot of hard work by great volunteers, along with generous sponsors, has made this possible. Nick Libretto of ABC Pest Control has constructed a custom ball for our ball drop. While this inaugural event is on a smaller scale, there will be entertainment on the big stage all night long.”
This has been an idea in the works for some time, as the myriad of small businesses in the area can benefit from such a gathering.
“Many South Cape business owners had wanted to do something in this area,” Forrester said. “South Cape is home to hundreds of small, locally owned businesses that are often ‘missed’ by the masses. With lots of free parking and open spaces, it just made sense.”
“The support from the sponsors and the city has been tremendous,” said SCHEA President Shelly LaPaglia, in a statement. “To be able to bring such a big event to South Cape is nothing short of exciting.”
Forrester seconded LaPaglia’s remarks.
“As with any big event, there is a lot to cover. We can’t thank the City of Cape Coral enough for all their help. And great sponsors made all the extras possible. Platinum sponsors White Claw Hard Seltzer, Cruise Planners – Kristi Sharp, Agent, in conjunction with Celebrity Cruises, and ABC Pest Control ensured we had the funds needed for the ball drop, beach ball drop and entertainment,” she said. “We really hope people keep these sponsors in mind, because they’re the reason for we’re able to put on such a grand, free event.”
Other sponsors include Chris-Tel Construction, Dolphin Key Resort, BackStreets Sports Bar, Dixie Roadhouse, Good Times Amusement, Muscle Vodka, Nice Guys Pizza, Profiles, Roofing by HomePlus, Schiff Realty, Wicked Dolphin Rum and Zak’s Jewelry.
For more information on SCHEA and the New Year’s Eve event, visit www.southcapeentertainment.com.
Other local New Year’s Eve events include:
* Fathoms- 5785 Cape Harbour Drive #106, Cape Coral
Fireworks at midnight, live music 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., champagne, pre-fixed menu. Reservations necessary.
* Gather- 5971 Silver King Boulevard Suite 116, Cape Coral
Fireworks at midnight, live music by Jeff Lyons, champagne, pre-fixed menu. Reservations necessary.
* Dixie Roadhouse- 1023 SE 47th Terrace
7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Four balloon drops. Free line dance lessons at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 & 11:30 p.m.
Drag show in Rockade at 10 p.m.
Free champagne toast at midnight.
Tickets $10-30.
* Times Square Fort Myers Beach- end of Matanzas Pass Bridge
Live music from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Ball drop and 14-minute firework show at midnight.
Limited trolley services.
* Downtown Fort Myers- Hendry Street between First & Main
7 p.m. to midnight.
Multiple stages set up with various live music.
Ball drop at midnight
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