Third annual Family Fun Fest looks to draw thousands in Moncton

For the third year in a row, the New Year's Eve Family Fun Fest is hoping to provide Moncton residents of all ages a fun and free way to ring in 2025.

The festivities started at 2 p.m. Tuesday with a kids zone, entertainment, food trucks and free food options, including maple syrup on a stick and a BBQ.

"Last year we estimate we had about 15,000 people and this year we're expecting – with the great weather today and this evening – we're expecting to crack the 20,000 mark," said co-chair Shane Esson.

While the above average temperatures delayed skating on the outside oval, Esson says he expects the mild temperatures to work in their favour this year.

"Last year it was chilly, it was cold and some people may have shied away from coming but this year we're expecting huge crowds this evening with the fireworks, with the bands on Main Street," he said.

The Moncton Wildcats hit the ice at 4 p.m. for a nearly sold-out game against the Charlottetown Islanders.

Esson says this year the business community donated 2,500 tickets to organizations like the Boys and Girls Club so everyone would have a chance to enjoy a live hockey game.

"Last year we had probably an extra 100 tickets that weren't spoken for. We went around throughout the crowd before the Wildcats game. A lot of these people are newcomers to the greater Moncton area. We asked them if they wanted to attend a game. These people had huge smiles on their faces and we gave them a coupon for a pop and a chip donated from our sponsors and for a lot of these kids, a lot of their parents, first time being able to attend a hockey game so being able to bring a smile to their faces it brings a lot of joy to us," he said.

Starting at 6:15 p.m., three bands were set to hit the main stage including The Big Bad Party Band, Les Hay Babies and Signal Hill.

The event will also feature two separate firework shows: one at 7:15 p.m. to accommodate younger families and one at midnight to celebrate the start of 2025.

"It's something that we talked about here with the mayor and with council for a few years. We felt that we needed something to usher in the new year. It's a great way to bring people together, it's a great way to celebrate the year that just passed and welcome in the new year ahead so we feel it's something we want to be a tradition," he said.

He notes the receives a lot of positive feedback from the community and it’s one people look forward to regardless of their age.

"It's called Family Fun Fest for a reason. It's for the entire family,” he said. 

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.