Philadelphia planning big party for New Year’s

The city of Philadelphia is pulling out all the stops for its New Year’s Celebration. This year it again will include two fireworks shows.

There will be two countdowns on the Delaware River, beginning at 6 p.m. and midnight, and ending in fireworks.

Sugarhouse Casino is happy to foot the bill, according to spokeswoman Wendy Hamilton.

“We’re a casino,” she said. “If we can’t throw a party, what good are we?”

Camden Mayor Dana Redd says the city’s residents are happy to be part of the festivities.

“We know it will be a spectacular sight, both at 6 p.m. and midnight,” said Redd. “So we are inviting all our residents from the city of Camden and all the southern New Jersey counties to come.”

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, meanwhile, says he recognizes the importance of tradition despite  economic uncertainty.

“Even in today’s difficult economic situation, we believe that we must have many of our events and activities still taking place,” he said. “That is a challenge and helps us preserve these traditions and even add on to the end of the year start-of-the-year fun.”

The city is using the Mummers Parade, the NHL’s Winter Classic hockey game between the Flyers and the New York Rangers and the dual fireworks shows to build a week’s worth of events to bring tourists to town.