By now, the more than 342,000 people who decided to usher in the new year in Las Vegas have returned home. However, a summary of what transpired is worth more than a quick rearview mirror glance.
The Entertainment Capital of the World was once again able to plan and successfully execute one the largest parties in the world thanks to some of the best professional event planners. Casinos use the festive occasion to host their biggest players for elaborate New Year's Eve celebrations that range from grand receptions to formal meals complete with champagne flowing like water.
With Las Vegas Metropolitan Police reporting only 10 arrests for the night, the visiting crowd was unusually tame compared to those in the past. It is also encouraging that DUI arrests were down significantly, no doubt in part to the increased availability and popularity of ride share options.
The majority of Las Vegas revelers chose to celebrate outdoors and enjoy the Las Vegas Strip spectacular fireworks presentation called America's Party 2016. The fireworks, created by Fireworks by Grucci of New York, were once again the highlight of the first few minutes of 2016 for those in Las Vegas. The impressive free show featured fireworks paired with music fired from the roofs of 7 Strip casinos.
Reported by the Las Vegas Review at a cost of $600,000, the eight-minute presentation was successful in satisfying the outdoor crowd who braved a packed Las Vegas Boulevard and chilly temperatures. As usual, The Strip closed at approximately 4:30 p.m., when a crowd of thousands of people began to spill into the streets. For safety reasons, traffic was redirected so revelers could have access to Las Vegas Boulevard in relative safety.
In Downtown Las Vegas, the action shifted to the Fremont Street Experience where a series of 13 tribute bands on three stages entertained excited revelers. Some of those banks included Rio, a Duran Duran tribute, The Rising, a Bruce Springsteen tribute and The Who Generation, a The Who tribute band.
It is never too early to begin planning for the next New Year's Eve in Las Vegas. As with many things here, the key is to plan ahead and make reservations now. Preparing for an epic night in Las Vegas on the most important party night of the year can produce memories for a lifetime.
Photo by JD Franklin
