Ring in the New Year in downtown Barrie with country star Madeline Merlo
Rising country music star Madeline Merlo will take centre stage at Barrie’s Downtown Countdown this New Year’s Eve, leading a night of celebration with her soulful sound and chart-topping hits.
Known for her singles ‘Broken Heart Thing,’ ‘Tim + Faith,’ and ‘It Didn’t,’ Merlo will help ring in the New Year alongside children’s performers, Sonshine and Broccoli, and local artist Kyle Wauchope.
Sonshine & Broccoli will be the children's performer at Barrie's 2024 Downtown Countdown on New Year's Eve. Dec. 11, 2023 (Source: City of Barrie)
“This memorable event has something for everyone, including an exciting line-up of entertainment, a variety of family activities, and the grand finale, a spectacular fireworks display. It’s the perfect way to come together to welcome 2025,” said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.
Juno-nominated Toronto-based duo Sonshine and Broccoli has been entertaining families for two decades with high-energy, interactive performances, while Barrie-native Kyle Wauchope was selected to perform with his band out of 35 applicants. In the two years since releasing his first single, Wauchope has over 200 gigs under his belt, all while keeping his day job.
Barrie native Kyle Wauchope will perform at Barrie's Downtown Countdown on Dec. 31, 2024. (Supplied)
The fun starts Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. outside City Hall in downtown Barrie.
Don’t want to drive and worry about parking? No problem. Barrie Transit offers free bus service starting at 5 p.m. with hourly service until 3 a.m.
The event, sponsored in part by CTV Barrie, Pure Country 106, and BOUNCE 104.1, is a free, family-friendly night that includes skating, roaming buskers, and child-friendly activities.
It will be emceed by Pure Country 106 morning show hosts Jason McCoy and Carey Moran, and CTV News Barrie anchor Sarah Freemark.
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