For the first time in two years, hundreds of people are celebrated New Year’s Eve in uptown.
A lot of people have been looking forward to this, especially since last year’s event was canceled due to COVID-19.
From the music to the dancing, the atmosphere was everything we’ve come to expect form New Year’s Eve.
“It feels good. Yeah, I like it,” Elaine Garfield, an event attendee, said.
Garfield said she brought her family out after a long COVID-19 hibernation.
“It feels great. I’m glad for New Year’s, I maybe get out more,” Jada Martin, Garfield’s granddaughter, said.
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Local businesses were also looking forward to the crowds New Year’s Eve brought.
“Well, I got light-up glasses and masks. Then I got some light-up ‘Happy New Year’s’ crowns,” vendor Greg Tipton said.
Tipton said last year’s COVID-19 restrictions cost him money because events were canceled. But he said tonight is a good start to the year.
“I’m looking forward to tonight. The weather is right. We’re gonna have a really good night. They’re already showing up and we don’t start for two more hours,” Tipton said.
Food truck operator Kahurm Bashir expressed a similar sentiment.
“COVID affected a lot of businesses but we are coming back together,” Bashir said
There were a lot more dining options compared to last year, when everyone had to stay home.
“It’s very helpful to all the vendors we do well for tonight, not being here did affect us a lot,” Bashir said.
[ ALSO READ: COVID-19 surge prompts cancellations for some New Year’s Eve events in Charlotte ]
Entertainment and fireworks went off without a hitch.
Michelle Renee is one of the lead singers for the band Mo Money, which headlined the event.
“Everybody has so much hope for 2022 and we got to get this past year behind us,” Renee said.
Event organizers said people were asked to wear masks and social distancing was encouraged.
>> Tune in to Channel 9 for the latest on events and celebrations that will take place in the Queen City.
(WATCH BELOW: COVID-19 surge prompts cancellations for some New Year’s Eve events in Charlotte)
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