Since 2014, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elizabethtown has been ringing in the new year with a family-friendly celebration, and the party will continue this year. Welcome 2023 will be held at the church, 125 E. High St., from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31.

"We'll have a chicken barbecue, which helps to pay for this event," said Phil Clark, event chair. "That's the only thing that has a charge. Everything else is free." The chicken barbecue will feature chicken from Kauffman's BBQ Chicken, a baked potato, applesauce, a roll and butter and a drink. The meal will be available to eat in or to go.

Festivities for the evening will include bingo in the church social hall, along with free hot dogs and soup. The youth ensemble from the church will perform in the sanctuary from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. as part of the Music on High series.

Outside, free popcorn, hot chocolate and s'mores will be available, and members of e-dance center will perform. A DJ will also be on hand playing music. "For the first time, East High Street will be closed from the church parking lot to the square," Clark noted. First responders will be on-site with their equipment, including police cars and fire trucks for kids to explore. At the nearby Winters Heritage House Museum, located at 47 E. High St., a variety of children's crafts and activities will be offered during the event as well.

The festivities will conclude with the raising of a star at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks. "The Elizabeth, which is the former Moose Lodge, is a good viewing spot for the fireworks if you want to get away from the crowd," said Clark, noting that hundreds of people attended the New Year's Eve event last year.

The timing of the event is intentional for several reasons, Clark shared. He explained that 7 p.m. corresponds with midnight in Letterkenny, Ireland, the sister city of Elizabethtown. Elizabethtown founders Barnabas and Elizabeth Hughes came from Letterkenny. The early end time for the party also works well for families, Clark said, and for Masonic Villages residents, who often attend.

"The whole event is a lot of fun," said music director Kevin Gane. "There's something for everybody to do. It's a nice community gathering."

Tickets for the chicken barbecue may be purchased at the church office. Some extra meals will be available at the event.