Ring in the new

WARWICK — Considering the fact that it was raining heavy at times it's surprising that anyone would be outside or even in the tent on Railroad Avenue to usher in the New Year at the third annual Apple Eve.
But they were there to help with the countdown during the drop of the New Year's Eve Apple "ball," in a Macintosh apple shape, lit from within and wrapped in bands of light.
Two years ago during Warwick's first ever-New Year's Eve community celebration, Mayor Michael Newhard had suggested that Apple Eve become an annual event.
"I think we created an event to come together as a community," he said at that time. "That's what Warwick's all about."
Because of the heavy rain, however, not too many revelers showed up for the Apple raising by the Warwick Volunteer Fire Department, which was scheduled two hours before the main event.
But many were waiting until the last moment at home or celebrating at local bars and restaurants.
And by midnight about 200 had showed up to view another Apple Eve ball drop on Railroad Green.
"We can't cancel New Years for poor weather," said Newhard.
This New Year's Eve, however, was also an opportunity to ring in the New Year to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Warwick Volunteer Fire Department.
And there are many events scheduled this 2019 to celebrate that milestone.
- Roger Gavan