SWAMPSCOTT — The Swampscott Recreation Department thought outside the box on how to properly celebrate the New Year — like using a magician and professional animal show to entertain the community.

The event Tuesday was an annual hallmark for the community, where people had a chance to participate in an early ball-drop and celebrate with friends and family at Swampscott High School. It ran from 1-4 p.m.

A main pillar of the event was an appearance featuring “Stevie Kidding, The Ridiculous Magician”, who performed a spectacle of magic and clever tricks to an auditorium of children and parents.

Stevie Kidding is New England’s Premiere Family and Kids Birthday Party Entertainer, according to his website. His website states that Kidding offers customized family magic shows and a number of different packages or show options with varying lengths, in order to provide a
custom-tailored experience.

Also featured during the event was a show by Amazing Animal Ambassadors, a group that offers educational and fun experiences with animals and reptiles for kids, according to their website. They have locations in both Cape Cod and Massachusetts, where they can serve clients throughout all of New England.