Westlake Bicentennial Ball Drop
Warm weather and a family-friendly atmosphere brought hundreds to Crocker Park on Dec. 31 to ring in the New Year. The event was the official kickoff for the city's Bicentennial year.
(click photo to enlarge)
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One of the family-friendly activities at the celebration was Snowman Bowling, put on by Westlake Boy Scout Troop 77.
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A bagpiper leads off the evening's festivities.
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Warm weather drew a large crowd to the event.
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Porter Library Director Andrew Mangels' musical group 30 Turtles entertains the crowd with children's songs.
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Students from the Leneghan Academy of Irish Dance in Westlake impress the crowd with their well-rehearsed routine.
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Erica Bartolone and sons Grant and Leo were in a New Year's Eve mood at Crocker Park.
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The crowd watches the large video screen as they wait for the ball to drop. The screen carried a live simulcast with Westlake's sister city, Tralee, Ireland.
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The ball begins its 30-second drop from the top of a crane.
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Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough welcomes the crowd to the Bicentennial year kickoff party. Pictured behind the mayor from left to right are: event emcee Kenny Crumpton of Fox 8, District 2 County Council Representative Dave Greenspan, Ward 4 Councilman Michael O’Donnell, Council President Mike Killeen, Ward 6 Councilman Mark Getsay, Director of Planning and Economic Development Bob Parry, Westlake Historical Society President Lysa Stanton and Economic Development Assistant Lynn Brady.
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The evening's events are capped off with a fireworks display.
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Master juggler John Flower performs amongst the crowd
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Westlake starts 2011 in style.