Falls Church Set to Ring in New Year at Watch Night

For the last 15 years the City of Falls Church has brought in the New Year at Watch Night.

The free, family-oriented celebration takes place in the center of the 2.2 square mile city and blocks off the intersection of Leesburg Pike and Washington Street (State Route 29) starting at 7 p.m. New Year's Eve.

Barb Cram, organizer of Watch Night, has been a part of the event since its inception. She said when the weather is good, they get a good crowd and everyone has a lot of fun.

“It’s no New York, but it’s ours,” Cram said.

Thousands of people are expected to attend Watch Night to see the large illuminated star lower at midnight to welcome 2013.

Cram said it costs between $12,000 and $15,000 (depending on if there’s precipitation) to put on Watch Night. The city helps set up and break down but the bulk of the funding come from donations from individuals, businesses and churches. This year the Falls Church Economic Development Authority, Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, Village Preservation and Improvement Society and the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation have donated substantial amounts toward paying for the event.

A free shuttle bus stops at each venue and the East Falls Church Metro throughout the evening.

More than anything, the event is about building community. Cram gets energy from seeing families come out to celebrate the beginning of a New Year in the city. She said there are events for everyone: inflatables for children and tons of music for the adults.

“I’m really excited and I enjoy doing this every year,” Cram said.

For more information on Watch Night, click here.

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