ST. LOUIS — St. Louisans rang in the new year with celebrations all over town. Families bundled up and headed to Winterfest to say goodbye to 2023.
“We're meeting other friends down here and waiting to go ice skating. What a beautiful event that Saint Louis is doing for families,” Anne Marie Lee said.
They had ice skating, food, music and fire dancers. But most importantly families got quality time together.
“It is really great to be with family. As cold as it is, it warms you up, just think about the fact that is family time and you're building those memories that a kid is going to remember for the rest of their lives. And that's what it's about. No more just swiping on phones in the house all day long. Let's get out and amongst the people and have a good time. And it's been a great evening out here,” Leon Hite said.
Others said hello to 2024 at Ballpark Village with a St. Louis-style ball drop.
“It's wonderful to see all these people coming together and in large amounts. You know, a few years ago, we weren’t able to have these celebrations. So being able to have these celebrations is something we cherish and something we want to take advantage of. And it's great to celebrate with as many people as possible,” Ballpark Village Entertainment Manager Andrew Dreyer said.
For one couple, 2023 was a second chance to reignite an old love story.
“We had dated 27 years ago, and he lives in Wisconsin. I live in Indiana. And. You know, social media. So he messaged me and I ignored him. And then eight days later I answered and I said, Hey, what's going on? Whatever. And here we are. That was five weeks ago. And now here we are tonight celebrating together,” Barbara Gilbert said.
Many have high hopes for 2024.
“Hoping this year brings more peace and lots of joy and lots of good things for our family,” Lee said.
Hite said he wants to do things he’s been putting off for years.
“We definitely want to do more in 2024, and that may cause us to walk through a new door. And that's all right, because that's what it's all about. If you're not growing, you're not living. So we got to grow,” Hite said.
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