Families mark new year - Delray festivities designed to be safe and alcohol-free

Delray Beach. As the clock marched toward midnight Sunday, revelers gathered on Atlantic Avenue to celebrate the close of another year. There was laughing, dancing, funny hats and falling down.

Another New Year's Eve party at one of Delray Beach's popular bars? Not exactly. This was the 10th annual First Night celebration, which has evolved into a Mardi Gras of sorts for grade-school children and their families.

The party began after 4 p.m. at Veterans Park on the Intracoastal Waterway and by sundown had spilled onto Atlantic Avenue through downtown. The event, which typically draws tens of thousands, has become a holiday showcase for Delray Beach, luring families and young children from across Palm Beach County. The concept is to provide families a safe and alcohol-free New Year's Eve party.

But city officials have had a difficult time in recent years ensuring safety for all. Last year's event was marred by two accidental shootings that police think occurred when nearby residents fired guns into the air around midnight. One woman was hit in the chest and hospitalized. A man was struck in the head with a bullet, but it did not penetrate his skull. No one was ever arrested or cited in the shootings, which followed similar incidents in 2003 and 1998.

In response, city officials increased the money they offer for information about shootings that lead to an arrest and began a public campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of shooting into the air.

Delray Beach Mayor Jeff Perlman said there's only so much that can be done to prevent such random crimes that might not even originate in Delray Beach.

"All it takes is one person from two or three miles away to create a dangerous situation," Perlman said. "But we can't let a few irresponsible people ruin a great night for the rest of us."

An hour into the event Sunday, children of all ages were letting loose at Veterans Park. Many built glittering hats of purple and green streamers. Some danced the macarena and the electric slide. Others ascended a 40-foot rock-climbing wall.

"This is such a great event to bring families out," said Jupiter resident Teresa Vanmarter, who brought children Brendan, 8, and Connor, 6. "They've been in the playground all night. But we're very excited to see the parade."

The parade commenced after dark and ended at the city's 100-foot Christmas tree.

"Delray Beach is a real diverse community and this is a great way for everyone to get together," said Boy Scout troop leader Doug MacDonald