Toledo Zoo celebrates the New Year

Close-up of the zoo's "noon year's" ball from 2012.

Hundreds of Toledo area youth celebrated the New Year early by sipping apple juice, viewing polar bears, and emitting ear-piercing squeals today as the “New Year ball” rose to the top of a pole at the Toledo Zoo.

The family-friendly event also featured arts and craft stations, children’s games, an ice-sculpting station and guest appearances by zoo mascots KC & Crew. Most activities were free to the public.

The event was an opportunity for parents to celebrate with their children, without the alcoholic beverages and other adult party vices.

“This is really an enjoyable time for the children,” said Toledo resident Sara Stockwell, who attended the event with her husband Phil, and their children Tyler, 11, Jace, 8, and Drew 7. Neighbor Drew Newton, 12, also joined them. “New Year’s Eve is usually geared towards adults,”