San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
KIDS RING IN NEW YEAR — A LITTLE EARLY
Plunge hosts annual ‘Noon Year’ event for families so they could celebrate without hassle of staying up late
Even gloomy skies and a little rain couldn’t stop kids from splashing into the new year at Plunge San Diego in Mission Beach on Saturday.
Hundreds of families attended the indoor swim venue’s annual “Noon Year” celebration, allowing those with young kids to ring in 2023 a bit earlier than usual.
“It’s a celebration for families that don’t want to stay up till midnight,” said Spencer Meinburg, Plunge’s general manager. “I have two young kids, as well, so I know it’s important that you still celebrate ringing in the new year, but this way you don’t necessarily have to stay up until midnight or even 9 p.m. if you’re doing the East Coast celebration.”
Along with its typical obstacle course set up in the pool, the venue was decked out with familyfriendly activities such as face painting, crafting, games and a mobile reptile zoo. Attendees were also treated to “snow” and bubbles, circus performers and an Anna and Elsa meet and greet.
“This is the best New Year ever because I get to swim, meet a snake and play with my friends,” said 6-year-old Tate Baulder as he pet an albino lavender reticulated python, the world’s longest snake species.
Tate’s mother, Kim, laughed as she watched her son and his friends decide it was time to return to the pool, leaving the poolside reptile table and immediately jumping into the water to climb onto the inflatable course.
“If you have a 6-year-old boy, you know they never stop moving,” Kim Baulder said, chuckling, “so this sounded like the perfect activity for them. So far, it seems to be paying off. They can’t stop telling me how much fun they’re having.”
Baulder and her friends typically host a party where their kids can celebrate the new year, but she said they’re all excited to have a venue to go to instead.
“Usually the kids are trying their hardest to stay up until midnight, but this year, hopefully, they’ll be all tuckered out,” she added.
In another pool, members of the Fit Athletic Club were doing laps. Among them was Reese Palmer, who stuck around after her workout to watch the noon celebration.
“They did a great job,” Palmer said. “Those kids look like they’re having so much fun. I wish my grandkids lived here. I would have totally brought them.”
Across the pool, Evan Hausmann was teaching his 9-year-old daughter, Irene, how to throw a water polo ball.
“We come here all the time and it’s fun to be able to swim with her because she’s such a water bug,” he said. “It’s such a classic San Diego thing to be able to swim yearround — we love it.”
As 12 p.m. approached, families gathered around the pool and in the water, excitedly bouncing to the music as they waited for the countdown. They cheered and danced as gold, black and white balloons were released from above as the clock struck noon.
“I think this is a really special way to celebrate with the kids,” Zach Villanueva said. “My kids usually hate having nothing ‘fun’ to do for New Year’s, but this way we can all enjoy it together.”
Villanueva’s 5-year-old son, Tyler, agreed, saying it was his best New Year’s yet. “It’s awesome,” he said.