Ringing in the new year

Silvia Snape, who flew into San Mateo County from Denver to spend the holidays with family, said she appreciated the chance to celebrate in a family-friendly fashion.

“It’s a nice family event and a play date for the kids,” said Snape, who added she admired its hosting in the museum, which granted children a chance to learn more about local aviation history between the fun and games.

For Redwood City resident Kimberly Leech, she enjoyed the ability for kids to participate in a countdown and celebration before their bedtime.

“When you are a parent, it can be hard to keep the kids up until midnight,” said Leech.

Such sentiments met the mark set by airport Vice President of Operations Willie Turner, who has overseen the annual event each year since its inception in 1999.

“It’s just a fun event that has something for everyone,” said Turner, listing the variety of activities such as the bounce house, model making and face painting stations as well as opportunities to peruse the museum’s installations.

Turner, who has been with the museum for more than two decades, said the event has grown substantially in popularity over recent years. This year a third balloon drop was offered in an auxiliary room, because in years prior the drop in the main room grew overcrowded.

“The event has just grown and grown,” said Turner, who said the celebration was designed with an intent for each child to go home with a balloon. He suggested some may have taken more than one though, potentially leaving others empty-handed.

Even if a balloon wasn’t received, children were offered a variety of other forms of entertainment such as face painting or a chance to explore the museum installations designed to share more information about drones or other aeronautical innovations.

San Mateo resident Stephanie Klint said she appreciated the amenities offered, as well as a chance to show up, celebrate and leave without having to worry about picking up the pieces after.

“You just show up and enjoy it,” said Klint, who patronizes the museum and regularly attends the events held there for holidays such as Halloween. For Turner, he said the event is part of a long line of similar celebrations at the museum designed to accommodate children as well as their parents.

“We want to make sure it is more than just face painting,” he said.

That effort was accomplished with room to spare, as singers, dancers, magicians, puppeteers and many other performers graced the stage in the main room. Plenty of food, including fan favorites such as hot dogs and churros, was offered as well.

“I think it’s a cool event,” said Snape, watching over her kids who were enjoying a play area with their cousins.

For Turner, he said the intent of hosting the celebration was simple — allow families a safe place to enjoy the holiday, while maybe learning a little about aviation in the process.

“It’s a nice excuse to have a party and do it at a decent hour,” he said.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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