Teino Evans, Staff Reporter
FROM SOME explosive performances and
massive fireworks on the Kingston waterfront to the soothing performances at the Morgan's Harbour, Jamaicans rang in the New Year in elegant style.
On December 31, 2004, the streets of downtown, Kingston, were blocked to make way for a massive New Year's Eve celebration dubbed 'Fireworks on the Waterfront', which took place by the Kingston Harbour waterfront.
The event which saw patrons turning out by the hundreds from as early as 3 p.m., featured attractions that began satisfying the appetites of patrons before the main highlight of the evening the fireworks.
ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL
There was entertainment for everyone. The children made the most of the attractions that were specially planned for them, including a 'kiddies village' with simulated rides and games. Later on the entire family was captivated by a talented line-up of mixed
performers including Fanton Mojah, Tonto Metro and Devonte, Gospel Song winner for 2004 Lubert Levy, Katalys Crew, Bescenta, Tivoli Dancers, Ashe and many others.
Needless to say, the crowd that converged on Ocean Boulevard and other parts of downtown, Kingston were thrilled by every minute of the performances.
At exactly midnight, after the crowd shouted its final countdown into the New Year, there were explosions as the sounds from an elaborate fireworks display rang out throughout downtown, Kingston and an array of brilliant colours and patterns lit up the night's sky.
The fireworks lasted for 15-20 minutes and left some persons longing for more.
ON TO MORGAN'S HARBOUR
Along the road to Morgan's Harbour, Port Royal, many
vehicles were parked with the passengers attempting to get a glimpse of the exciting fireworks display going on in downtown, Kingston.
At Morgan's Harbour however, the celebrations were different from the one in downtown, Kingston. The crowd there danced to live entertainment from Dwight Pickney and his band along with Boris Gardiner.
Patrons came dressed for the occasion, some casually elegant while others were suited out in costumes, for example pirate's wear.
Some couples danced while others were engulfed in deep conversation, while sipping on champagne.
"I wanna wake up with you," Gardiner sang, as he hinted that many couples present would be waking up with their partners for the New Year.
At around two minutes before the stroke of midnight, however, there was a power outage. The New Year slowly approached, with only the sounds of the drums and a trumpet available.
Then came time for the countdown, "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!"
Firecrackers could be heard ringing out in the distance and the patrons at Morgan's Harbour sang the New Year's song, Auld Lang Syne, a capella style.
A few minutes later, the power returned and patrons inside of Morgan's Harbour continued
their celebrations into the early morning.
