The New Years Eve fireworks show above the Sacramento River has long been a tradition.  And it’s back once again, says Melissa Martinez with the Old Sacramento Business District.
 
Martinez: “It’s a great opportunity to bring people within the district for an event and see what Old Sacramento is all about, if they haven’t visited in a while.” 
 
There’s a 9pm show for kids and a midnight one for adults, plus live music and street entertainment throughout the evening.
 
But it’s no longer the only option.  In less than a month, a group of downtown businesses created a brand-new celebration from scratch – complete with a Times Square-style ball drop at midnight, at 10th and K streets.  Callista Wengler is with the Paragary’s restaurant chain, one of the event’s organizers.
 
Wengler: “Our goal is to tell people, hey, you know what, it is safe to come down here.  We have some beautiful venues for you to come and hang out at or eat.” 
 
Neither group is worried about competing with the other.  In fact, they say, Sacramento is more than big enough for two outdoor celebrations on New Years Eve.