HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — New Year’s Eve is here, and Hackettstown is preparing for its third annual New Year’s Eve Blast, featuring the popular M&M’s drop in downtown.
Here is what residents and visitors need to know:
Event time and location
The festivities will take place in the heart of downtown Hackettstown from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 12:30 a.m. Thursday.
Street closures
Beginning about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, through 2 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, the following roads will be closed:
- Main Street (Route 46) between East Plane Street and Valentine Street
- West Moore Street between Main Street and Washington Street
- East Moore Street between Main Street and Sharp Street
- High Street (Route 517) between Main Street and Franklin Street
- Grand Avenue between Main Street and Washington Street
Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes and expect delays.
No parking zones
From 3 p.m. Wednesday through 2 a.m. Thursday, no parking will be permitted on:
- Main Street (Route 46) between Valentine Street and East plane Street
- Liberty Street between Main Street and Franklin Street
- Franklin Street between Liberty Street and High Street
Vehicles parked in no-parking zones will be ticketed and towed.
Parking
Parking will be available on side streets and in municipal lots. The Hackettstown Parking Authority will allow free parking at all metered spaces and in municipal lots on Tuesday, Dec. 30, and Wednesday, Dec. 31, unless otherwise posted. Additional parking will be available at Centenary University, 715 Grand Ave.
Restrooms
Portable restrooms will be available at two locations: in the gazebo at Main Street and West Moore Street, and in the Grand Avenue Tavern parking lot in the Kids Zone.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in public.
Security
Additional police officers will be assigned to the event. Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to notify a police officer or call 911.
Live stream
The event will be livestreamed from 8 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. on Facebook and YouTube. Follow the Town of Hackettstown on Facebook or subscribe to the town’s official YouTube page to watch.
Entertainment stage (Main Street and High Street)
- National Anthem performed by 11-year-old Hackettstown resident Giana Pichardo at 8 p.m.
- Joe Racz and the Brawlstars, 8 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.
- Hackettstown High School Cheerleading, 9 to 11 p.m.
- Tiger Cheer Association, 9 to 10 p.m.
Kids Zone (Grand Avenue between Washington Street and Main Street)
Open from 8 to 11 p.m. and featuring a giant snow globe photo, cow train ride, stiltwalker, face painting, game trailer, selfie station and New Year’s Eve merchandise.
M&M’s Ball Drop (Main Street and High Street)
Steve and Sharon Somers, joined by Mayor Jerry DiMaio, will lead the countdown to midnight, accompanied by M&M’s characters and the Centenary Cyclones mascot.
Food trucks and more (8 to 11:30 p.m.)
Food and beverages will be available from Marley’s Wings & Things, Marley’s Cravin’ Cuban & Things, Greene’s Beans Cafe, The Sizzle BBQ and Brewnicorn.
Participating businesses
Participating downtown businesses include Marley’s Gotham Grill; Living Spirits Distillery; Man Skirt Brewing; Czig Meister Brewing Co.; Shoppes at Luces; Davila’s Pizza & Catering; Kilhaney’s Pickle; Sizzle BBQ; The G & G Big Closet; Mama’s Cafe Baci; Tracey’s Candy; James on Main; Once Upon a Theme; and Euro Deli 2 Go. For more information visit, hackettstownbid.com.
Sponsors
Sponsors for the event include:
- Diamond sponsors: Mars Wrigley; Atlantic Health; ImageCare Radiology; Vermella Hackettstown; Saint Clare’s Health.
- Gold sponsors: John Johnson Automotive Group; Gebhardt & Kiefer, P.C.; Delloons; J&R Tree Service.
- Silver sponsors: An anonymous donor; Colliers Engineering & Design.
- Bronze sponsors: High Street Dispensary; Foot Care Partners, LLC; Nisivoccia LLP; Versac Main Street Cafe.
- Community sponsors: Visions Federal Credit Union; Hackettstown High School Cheerleading; Grand Rental Station; Blue Ridge Lumber.
- Media sponsors: WRNJ Radio; Jersey Peak Media.
- Special thanks: Centenary University; Play Away Indoor Play Place; Warren Thompson & Son; International Auto Repair; Tranquillity Farms.
More information
For more information about Hackettstown’s New Year’s Eve Blast, visit hackettstown.net.
