Fredericton to host New Year's Eve party celebrating Canada's 150th

Joel Plaskett Emergency will headline New Year's Eve celebrations in Fredericton ushering in Canada's 150th birthday year.

Mayor Mike O'Brien said Fredericton is one of 15 cities across the country that will host special celebrations for Canada 150.

"The only criteria was, 'Put on a big party for the community. Include music, First Nations, francophones, all cultures, all ages,' so we'll fulfil that mandate," O'Brien said.

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"It's a big celebration and we got room here for everybody. Our hotels are waiting to book people."

O'Brien wasn't ready to give any details on what the party entertainment will be, but he said more information will come soon.

It was announced during Fredericton city council on Monday night that there will be two firework shows.

There will be one show at 8:05 p.m. and a second show when the calendar changes at midnight. The party will run from 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. in Officers' Square.

A beer garden will also be set up at the celebration, featuring local craft beers and ciders. A family-friendly warming station will offer hot cider.

Traffic notes

The city plans on closing down St. Anne's Point Drive from the intersection of Regent and Queen streets to the Westmorland Street Bridge for the duration of the party.  

The section of Carleton Street that stretches from Queens Street to the Officers' Square parking lot will be closed that night until 1 a.m. in the new year.

In light of the special event, Fredericton Police will have asked for extra duty officers to help with crowd and traffic control.