Families ring in the New Year at alcohol-free event

The thunder of many drums kicked off the 24th annual First Night Monterey.

“It’s just fun and exciting to see all the New Year’s Eve stuff and celebration and stuff like that,” said Nicholas Antonelli of Los Gatos.

The community celebration with roots based in Boston closed off streets in historic downtown Monterey, giving locals and tourists an alcohol-free event to ring in the New Year.

“Unless we’re doing it at our house, it’s very hard to do something with the kids,” said Kirsten Antonelli from Los Gatos. “So we really appreciate this event.”

“We wouldn’t miss it, ever,” said Debbie Wikoff, who came from Soledad.

Dozens of vendors, live entertainment, along with arts and crafts, catered to every age group.

“Our whole mission is to celebrate our community,” said Ellen Martin, executive director of First Night Monterey. “To showcase our cultural diversity and to have a safe, family-friendly, New Year’s Eve.”

“It’s a lot of different cultures out here,” said Norm Serano of San Jose. “A lot of events for the kids and arts. Museums are open. Everything will be open for the night.”

Events also included the Twilight Procession, which drew a large crowd.

MST offered free park and ride service to the event until 1 a.m.