If you go
› What: New Year’s at Noon.› When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.› Where: Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St.› Admission: $13.95.› Phone: 423-756-2738.› Website: www.cdmfun.org.
Director Henry Schulson, dressed as Father Time, begins the countdown to noon with Charlie Knapp, as the Baby New Year, during last year's New Year's at Noon celebration at Creative Discovery Museum.The countdown to 2017 is on at Creative Discovery Museum's annual New Year's at Noon celebration, a daytime party for children to take part in the ritual of out with the old, in with the new.
Children will learn about the passage of time using traditional adult activities presented in a child-friendly manner, such as an apple juice toast and a one-of-a-kind kazoo rendition of the traditional classic "Auld Lang Syne." As part of the celebration, the museum will host a countdown with Father Time, complete with a colorful, confetti drop at the strike of noon.
Then at 1 p.m., Father Time will lead guests in a dance party followed by an extravaganza of indoor "fireworks" by stomping on yards of bubble wrap. Children can also make hats, wands and shakers during the event.
"New Year's at Noon is a great way to celebrate the New Year with kids," says Jayne Griffin, the museum's director of education. "The event allows children to experience the passage of time and a traditional adult event in a fun, child-friendly setting."
Doors open at 10 a.m. Because New Year's at Noon draws a crowd, visitors are encouraged to arrive no later than 11 a.m. to enjoy the noontime activities. For the comfort and safety of guests, attendance will be limited to 1,000 people in the building at a time. Doors will reopen after 12:30 p.m. to allow other guests to come in.
All activities are included with museum admission.
Creative Discovery Museum will open at noon on New Year's Day.