SWAMPSCOTT — Community members rallied at Swampscott High School Wednesday afternoon for an early New Year’s Eve party to celebrate the start of 2026.
Hosted by the Recreation Department, the event featured performances from local entertainers Magic Fred and Anna Li Acrobat. At 3:45 p.m., participants started a countdown to 4 p.m., where beach balls and balloons were dropped from the second floor of the school in the style of New York City’s famous ball drop at midnight.
There was also a crafts station where kids could design their own artistic creations and have their faces painted.
Recreation Director Charlotte Daher de Garcia noted that 250 tickets for the event were sold.
“It’s a great tradition that we wanted to continue… I think it’s great for families to have an option that doesn’t mean going all the way out to Boston (and) that’s not very expensive. It’s right here, and after that, they can go home, have dinner, and enjoy the rest of their night,” Daher de Garcia said.
Kate Johns, who attended the celebration with her children, said it was nice to have something to do with her kids on New Year’s Eve during the day. She added that she’s happy there are community-oriented programs from the Recreation Department which she can enjoy with her family.
There were also several senior volunteers who took time to assist the Recreation Department and make crafts with families.
One volunteer, Sue Burgess, said it was a happy time for the parents and kids that were able to enjoy the festivities. She expressed that she was happy to see participants having fun and enjoying each other’s company.
“I’m so excited to be here. I think the community needs more of these programs because, when they’re on vacation, kids don’t always have something to do… Having this event brings the community together, and it’s a pleasure to be a volunteer today so that everyone can have a happy and healthy New Year,” Volunteer Nancy Sorkin said.
Once the clock struck 4 p.m., the crowd gathered eagerly in the foyer area to watch the ball drop as they rang in the new year together.
“It’s really awesome to see how the community comes together, and there’s so many people… Swampscott may be a small community, but I feel like the impact of hosting this event is a lot larger than what it may seem,” Recreation Coordinator Christina O’Connor-Rice said.
