Welcome 2013 with Traditional ‘Silvester’ Celebration in Harmony

Harmony will return to its German roots New Year’s Eve with its annual Silvester celebration.

In Germany, New Year's Eve is widely known as Silvester, a tradition that originated as feasts commemorating the death of Pope Sylvester on the final day of 335 AD, according to the Harmony Museum.

On Monday, Harmony, which was founded in 1804 by Germans organized as the Harmony Society, will welcome 2013 at 6 p.m., midnight in Germany, with a countdown and a fireworks show.

There also will be entertainment throughout the day.

The family friendly fun kicks off at 2 p.m. with activities that include tours, a German dinner, the German tradition of guessing what the New Year might bring from the shapes of melted bits of lead and a short comedic film (in English) that’s popular on New Year’s Eve in Germany. These activities all take place at the Harmony Museum.

There also will be entertainment and refreshments in the town square and year-end sales by Harmony’s specialty shops.

The Sixth Annual Silvester 5K also takes place at 3 p.m. There is a children’s 1-mile fun run at 3:45 p.m. All children participating in the fun run receive a finisher's medal. 5K runners receive a Frank Shorter technical runner shirt while supplies last.

Entry fees are $25 for the 5-K and $10 for the 1-Mile fun run. Proceeds benefit Harmony’s parks.

Registration is also open at Harmony’s canoe launch park at the west end of Jackson Street.

Polar Plunge registration is $25 at the event. Sponsoring someone else to plunge while you stay dry and warm is $20. Proceeds benefit Harmony parks and the Harmony Volunteer Fire Company.

What are your New Year’s Eve plans? Will you be visiting Harmony? Leave your plans in the comment section below. Happy New Year!

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