While downtown Mobile prepares for its raucous midnight revelry, families along the Alabama coast have long had a gentler option: a countdown that happens at noon, when the kids are still awake to see it.
Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s in Gulf Shores hosts its Noon Year’s Eve celebration Saturday, Dec. 31, opening at 10 a.m. The free event, a tradition now in its 12th year at the beachfront restaurant at 200 E. 25th Ave., trades midnight fireworks for a noon beach-ball drop and kid-friendly fireworks display.
Sandcastles, Petting Zoos and Twins on Trumpet
The morning-long party packs in a sandcastle contest, face painting, a petting zoo and arts and crafts stations, keeping young attendees busy until the midday countdown.
The 2016 edition adds live music from Kathleen Rees and Pelican212, a young band led by identical twin trumpeters Max and Kolbe Rees. Despite the performers’ age, the band promises a grown-up sound — an electrifying jam session that organizers say amazes first-time listeners.
Admission is free, making it one of the most accessible holiday events on the Baldwin County calendar for families looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve without the late night.