The celebration is back on

City of Charlottetown teams up with pro basketball’s Storm for Sunday festivities

The City of Charlottetown has come up with a plan B for its New Year’s Eve celebration party.

The city announced on Friday that it is partnering with the National Basketball League of Canada’s Island Storm to host an indoor party on Sunday afternoon.

The city had announced on Thursday that it was cancelling its outdoor party at Victoria Park on Sunday due to a forecast that calls for frigid temperatures and a cold wind chill.

Now, the city and Storm will host the first-ever Family Tailgate Party before the Storm’s game against the Halifax Hurricanes.

The tailgate party will begin at noon on Sunday in the trade centre portion of the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown.

Storm players and staff will be serving free hot dogs to all who attend the free event. In addition, Par-T-Perfect will have three bouncy castles on site for children to play in.

“Thousands of Islanders look forward to the city’s spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations each year,’’ said Brett Poirier, vice-president of the Storm. “It was clear city staff were disappointed to make (Thursday’s) announcement, but we’re thrilled they were so eager to find an alternative way to provide a day of fun to many residents.’’

The Storm’s game against Halifax will follow the tailgate party.

The Storm is offering youth, 12 and under, a free ticket to the game with the purchase of any adult or senior ticket. Anyone who has purchased a youth ticket before Friday’s announcement will be given a free ticket for another game.

The Storm currently sits in first place in the Atlantic Division and has won five straight home games.

The box office will be closed today but opens Sunday at 11 a.m.

In Summerside, Credit Union Place has a jam-packed schedule of fun for Sunday, including a skate with Elsa and the Capitals, as well as inflatables. And the Pendergasts are returning.

There will also be a rock wall in the pool, as well as games and competitions.

Mr. Magic will be there and they’ll have Twist It Balloon Creations and face painting.

This year, Fit Stop will be open, 12-4 p.m., while the walking track will be closed for the day. New Year’s festivities will run 4-8 p.m. Outside, a fireworks display will close out the night at 8 p.m.