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I am praying and agreeing.
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL
I will be praying and watching tonight.

Article published Dec 31, 2003
Town ready for bash
Kure Beach fireworks display to herald in brand new year

KURE BEACH - It should be good fireworks weather tonight for hundreds of celebrators expected to ring in the New Year at Kure Beach’s annual party – the only big, local celebration of the event.

DJ music and dancing begins at 10 p.m. at the base of K Avenue near the Kure Pier, said Frances Massey, president of the Island of Lights, the community group that plans the annual party.

Popcorn, hot chocolate and soft drinks will be sold at the event, as will noisemakers, but alcohol won’t, Ms. Massey said.

"It’s family-oriented," said Tim Fuller, a member of the Kure Beach council and the Island of Lights. "It’s like a big block party."

In the seconds before midnight, Kure Beach Mayor Betty Medlin and Carolina Beach Mayor Dennis Barbour will lead the countdown to the midnight drop of a large, lighted ball from the extended ladder of a Carolina Beach firetruck, Ms. Massey said.

Then the pyrotechnics begin, Mr. Fuller said. Lasting about 15 minutes and costing about $3,000, the fireworks will be shot from about 100 yards south of the pier over the ocean. Mr. Fuller said the pier would be open for spectators.

The view of the explosions should be a good one.

Light winds and mostly clear skies are forecast with temperatures in the low 40s or upper 30s around midnight, said Dave Loewenthal with the National Weather Service office in Wilmington.

The Island of Lights New Year’s celebration is about 12 years old, Ms. Massey said. It used to be held in Carolina Beach but moved to Pleasure Island’s smaller partner two years ago.