Entire U.S. can party with S.A.

[SAguy]

Entire U.S. can party with S.A.

Web Posted: 12/29/2006 10:33 PM CST

Stefanie Arias
Express-News

Celebrate San Antonio, the city's official New Year's Eve party, isn't just for San Antonians this year.

The celebration will be showcased on CNN's Anderson Cooper's New Year's Eve Special. The broadcast is live from New York City, with segments from San Antonio and other destinations, including New Orleans, Chicago, Los Angeles, Key West, Fla., and Iraq.

Teresa Keck, vice president of special events for the San Antonio Parks Foundation, said an estimated 250,000 people are expected to attend the celebration throughout the evening.

"We have the largest New Year's celebration in Texas," Keck said. "No other place in the state provides a free block party like we do."

Keck said that's what sparked CNN's interest in the event. Up to 1 million people are expected to watch the live broadcast, and 500,000 more may see it on the West Coast replay.

A new partnership with the San Antonio Parks Foundation and BMP Radio will lend a different sound to this year's celebration. BMP stations include Jammin 94.1, Digital 104.1, La Ley 95.7, Norteno 720 and Jack FM. Each station's format will be showcased on a stage at the event.

More than 50 food and beverage booths will be at the celebration as well as games, rides and family entertainment.

"This celebration caters to families with young kids and with older kids, too," Keck said.

The finale of the event will be a 17-minute fireworks display from the Tower of Americas sponsored by Valero Corner Stores. While the poor weather of past years didn't deter people from coming to the celebration, Keck's fingers are crossed that this year's clear weather forecast holds true.

Celebrate San Antonio kicks off at 6 p.m. Sunday on South Alamo Street between Market and Durango streets and throughout La Villita. Anderson Cooper's New Year's Eve Special airs from 10 p.m. to midnight on CNN.

Beginning at 8 a.m., police will close Alamo Street between Durango and Market and Nueva Street between Presa and Alamo. There will be restricted access to Market between Alamo and Interstate 37. From 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., police will close Bowie Street between Market and Durango.
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See you there!!!