Broome County Seniors Center, Tioga Downs ring in new year early

12/31/2012 (Updated 6:47:37 PM)

Those that didn't feel like waiting until midnight celebrated the new year a little early.

Tioga Downs hosted the Noon Year's Eve Celebration Monday with a champagne toast at 12 pm, followed by a drawing for $2,013 and other events throughout the day.  Grand Prize Winner Marilyn Hand says she couldn't be happier.

"It is absolutely a wonderful way to end the year and start a year.  We're retired, we're going to spend every dime, on just us," Hand said.
"We're passing out hats, we're passing out beads, we got blowers.  We're having tons of fun," said Linn Redder, Tioga Downs Marketing Director.

The casino also had a New Year's Eve buffet, a free show by Virgil Cain, a countdown to the actual new year, and another grand prize drawing.

But Tioga Downs wasn't the only place celebrating New Year's Eve a little early. 
 
The Broome County Senior Center also held Monday's celebrations at noon, with a ball dropping and a toast.  Refreshments and food were also there for seniors to enjoy, but many were there to spend time with family and friends.

"It's wonderful to see my friends and also the food is good, and I tell everyone what a wonderful place it is at the center," Ruth McAdon of Endicott.

The event attracted dozens of senior citizens.