Thousands Take Part In Fort Lauderdale New Year's Bash
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – The Fort Lauderdale Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown started early in Fort Lauderdale and was set to end late as thousands of revelers jammed Himmarshee Street to ring in the new year with live music, endless amounts of food and drink and with loved ones nearby.
Smiling, happy and lit up faces -- with neon-lighted glasses -- filled Himmarshee Street which was shut down for several blocks as Fort Lauderdale police officers walked the streets to maintain law and order.
Leticia Murray brought her three children to the party for the first time.
"It's safe, it's healthy, so you know ring in 2015 in a healthy and safe way," she said.
Murray hopes 2015 brings more happiness for her children.
Click here to watch Carey Codd's report.
"Positive growth in them," she said, about her goals for her children in the year ahead. "Just have a good time and make positive decisions. Strive to get better and stronger."
The event featured entertainment, dancing and tons of activities for children, like a tug of war, hula hoops, an obstacle course and bounce houses. Fourth-grader Christopher Leal showed off his lighted gloves while his mom said Christopher hopes she can show off a new baby sometime in the new year.
"Hopefully have another baby soon," said Lidia Placencia, of her goals for 2015. "That's what we're planning."
That seemed to echo a single thought on the minds of many looking forward to the new year.
"To be more happy, healthy and share more time with the family," said David Cepeda, with his wife, Lisa, and their daughter Siena, 4.
The party kicked off at 4 pm and is set to finish at 3 in the morning.
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