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New Year celebrations kick off in Austin
Tonight a celebration is underway at Austin's Auditorium Shores that will culminate in a fireworks display at midnight.
AUSTIN, Texas - Thousands of Austinites are gathering at Auditorium Shores for the city's annual New Year celebration.
"We really do feel that Austin’s new year event showcases Austin in a really good way," said City of Austin Public Information Officer Erik Johnson. "Between the vendors that we have out here, the entertainers we have out here, and just the family-friendly and just outgoing personality that is Austin, represented by the people here."
Sunday afternoon, vendors setup as crowds of people find a space on the lawn at Auditorium shores for the New Year countdown and celebration.
"This is my first year moving here, so I have no clue what to expect," said attendee Cole Tucker. "I'm excited to see how things go."
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Austin's New Year event showcases three different music performances throughout the night, offers a beer and wine bar, several vendors and is open to all ages.
"We definitely recommend bringing your blankets, bringing your chairs, no pop-up tents"," Johnson said.
Those attending also brought their new year's resolutions.
"This year my resolution is going to be action, taking action," said attendee Maria Martinez. "I thought I would just use it in every situation, it is just going to be action."
"I have some companies I am trying to launch, make more friends, become more compassionate, become a better speaker, a lot of little things," Cole Tucker said.
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"Just work on my mental health and physical health and try to be the best person I can," said attendee Ian Tucker.
"Everyone always looks forward to the start of the new year because it represents the positivity and the hope that is going to come from a fresh start," Johnson said.
According to the City, last year the celebration brought out close to 15,000 people. This year nearly 20,000 are expected.
"It’s refreshing and fun and I think community is really important," Ian Tucker said.