What’s on this weekend

By Taylah Baker

Dec 29, 2022

**Fun Planet:** The Balloon Drop ’N’ Pop Party is an afternoon of, you guessed it, fun. Photo by Megan Fisher

Well, well, well. Another year is about to begin and the options for ringing in the new year are endless. Wherever you may be celebrating, the News wishes everyone a happy and safe new year!

SATURDAY – NEW YEAR’S EVE

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Fun Planet’s Balloon Drop ’N’ Pop Party

After a little pre-midnight celebration for the kids? Fun Planet has you sorted with an afternoon of games, activities and special prizes! From 4pm to 7pm, Fun Planet is hosting its first ever New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop ’N’ Pop Party. There’ll be unlimited laser tag, dodgem cars, wall climbing, mini golf and arcade games. When the clock strikes 5pm get ready for the balloon drop, with lollies in every balloon and six special tickets to find.

Cost: $35 per person. Includes unlimited access to everything, excluding go-karts.

Location: Fun Planet, Kialla

Mooroopna New Year’s Eve Festival

It’s the 40th anniversary of the Mooroopna New Year’s Eve Festival and the Mooroopna Rotary Club can’t wait to celebrate. From 5.30pm, they’ll be bringing in the classics from previous years: a street parade, food and drinks, live music, kids’ entertainment, the crayfish spinning wheel and plenty of prizes to be won. The iconic fireworks display at 10.45pm makes this event a family favourite.

Cost: Free entry

Location: John Gray Oval, Mooroopna Recreation Reserve

**Crowd around:** Not only will this be Mooroopna’s first New Year’s Eve celebration since 2019, it’s also the event’s 40th anniversary. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Nathalia New Year’s Eve Carnival

Returning from a long-awaited COVID-19 hiatus is the Nathalia New Year’s Eve Carnival. Market stalls, carnival rides, wood chopping and sleeper cutting, raffles, camel rides and more await attendees. Some highlights for the kids will be the animal nursery, face painting and train ride. Plus, plenty of cars to see at the show and shine at 3pm in Weir St. The midnight fireworks spectacle is not to be missed.

Cost: Free entry

Location: Blake St, Nathalia

**Show time:** Midnight fireworks at Nathalia will return after a two year COVID-19 hiatus. Photo by Brenden Paddock

RSL Shepparton New Year’s Eve Party

RSL Shepparton’s member’s lounge will be the place to be on Saturday night, but with no reserved seating, attendees better be quick. Sue Jones, lead singer of Fleetwood Max and SHE, is bringing along her band for a free show. A set list of Fleetwood Max, SHE female rock anthems and popular 70s, 80s and 90s hits will deliver the beats. Sue will perform a solo set from 7.30pm and the band will join in around 9pm.

Cost: Free

Location: RSL Shepparton

**Party:** Sue Jones, lead singer of Fleetwood Max and SHE, will perform at RSL Shepparton.

Conscious NYE Celebration

If the party scene is of no interest to you, the Conscious NYE Celebration may be the go. Monique from Ardour Wellness and Bianca from Breathe with Bianca are bringing together like-minded people for a night of resetting and manifesting for 2023 in an alcohol- and drug-free environment. Beginning at 6.30pm, those attending may bring a yoga mat, water, journal and pen, and snacks. A light meal will be provided.

Cost: $88 per person

Location: Janus Health Hub, Shepparton