from staff
Jacksonville Landing officials have announced schedules for the festivities over the New Year’s weekend and Konica Minolta Gator Bowl from Dec. 28 to Jan. 1, and Downtown revelers will have extra time to party as Landing businesses will observe extended hours until 2 a.m.
On Dec. 28, live entertainment at the courtyard main stage begins with Fats Lewis at 5 p.m. and continues with the Rocco Marshall Band at 9:30 p.m.
On Dec. 29, It’s Sugar Bear at 5 p.m. and Those Guys at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 30 entertainment is Southbound Truckers at 5 p.m. and Lisa and the Mad Hatters at 9:30 p.m.
The Landing is also the official location for Gator Bowl teams to hold pep rallies on Dec. 31 in the courtyard. University of Virginia starts it off at 1:30 p.m., followed by Texas Tech at 5:30 p.m.
The Landing will also provide a great view of the Winn-Dixie Hometown Gator Bowl Parade as it winds its way down Water Street beginning at 3 p.m.
At 2 p.m. that same day, participants of the VyStar 5K Run through Downtown will enjoy live music, free beer, dancing and other festivities inside the Landing following the race.
Later on that night, the band Blistur will kick off a musical set at 7 p.m. following the Texas Tech pep rally. The evening will be headlined by the band A1A North at 10:30 p.m., and the City’s annual New Year’s fireworks show will begin promptly at midnight.
The Landing requires visitors for the New Year’s Eve festivities to be 21-years or older, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian if younger than 21, show proof of a valid Military I.D. or posses a Gator Bowl Patch.
On Jan. 1, the Landing will air the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl live on the Jumbotron located in the courtyard. In addition, more than a dozen merchant locations will also air the game. After the game, the band Freeze Frame will play the main stage from 5 to 9 p.m. All events are open to the public.
For more information or a for a complete list of events and entertainment, call 353-1188 or visit www.jacksonvillelanding.com.