Countdown to 2010 in the South

If you want to ring in 2010 in a special way in the South, you are in luck. There’s so much going on (ball drops to First Nights and more) that you might want New Year’s Eve to happen for at least a week.

Here’s some fun ways to countdown to 2010 in the region.

It’s party time… Who needs Times Square in New York City when you can celebrate New Year’s Eve in Kansas City (Mo.) Power and Light District. Celebrate San Antonio at the Riverwalk features a variety of entertainment and fireworks to conclude the evening and 2009. You know that New Orleans how to throw a party and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Enjoy the revelry at Jackson Square. Experience live music and more during Columbus, Miss.’s Block Party happening downtown.

Fun for the entire family… Fireworks end the evening in downtown Oklahoma City during the event, Opening Night. Hang out with some wild animals at Little Rock, Ark.’s, Zoo’s Year Eve.  The city of Fairhope’s (Ala.) New Year’s Eve Celebration includes face-painting, clowns, live entertainment and more for everyone. At Lawrenceville (Ga.) Rings, WOW! 2010 in Columbia, S.C., and New Year’s Annapolis (Md.), no one will have a problem staying awake to welcome in 2010. With all of the activities going on (live music, fun for children and more), no one will want it to end. It’s all about family fun at Delray Beach, Fla.’s First Night. Taking place downtown, enjoy all kinds of activities as you say good-bye to 2009.

Have a ball watching the ball… Is it not a true New Year’s Eve without a ball? Well, you can find a ball drop (and more) in such places as  Gatlinburg, Tenn.,Carolina Beach, N.C.,  Barbourville, Ky., Winchester (Va.)

photo credit: Happy New Year! flickr, creative commons by abbietabbie