Manitoba

Hundreds celebrate New Year's Eve with events at The Forks

Until midnight, there's pick-up hockey games, fire pits, skating trails, warming huts and Indigenous storytelling at The Forks in Winnipeg.

Revellers enjoy musical celebration, which is also being broadcast live for those at home

Five-year-old Seren Wilcox says her New Year's resolution is, 'I think when I fall, I'm not gonna cry.' (Marina von Stackelberg/CBC)

Five-year-old Winnipegger Seren Wilcox says she thinks she will "probably" be able to stay awake until midnight to ring in the new decade.

"I'm going to skate," the kindergartener said while taking a break from festivities at The Forks.

Wilcox was one of hundreds who were at The Forks Tuesday evening to take in New Year's celebrations.

What's her New Year's resolution after all this skating?

"I think when I fall, I'm not gonna cry."

The river trail might not be up and running, but there were still plenty of skating opportunities New Year's Eve at The Forks. (Marina von Stackelberg/CBC)

Until midnight, there are pick-up hockey games, fire pits, skating trails, warming huts and Indigenous storytelling at The Forks in Winnipeg.

The events at The Forks, which included a performance by Juno Award-winning folk singer William Prince in the food hall, are part of CBC's national New Year's Eve celebration hosted by Rick Mercer.

The cross-country musical celebration will broadcast live on CBC and the free CBC Gem streaming service on Dec. 31 at 11 p.m.

Barry Kopulos came to The Forks decked out in an entire New Year's outfit, complete with flashing lights. (Marina von Stackelberg/CBC)

Barry Kopulos came to The Forks decked out in an entire New Year's outfit, complete with flashing lights.

"I had to come here for sure this year, because it's the end of the decade … I wouldn't want to miss the start of a new decade," he said.

"All the best in 2020, I hope you have the best year ever. Make some brand new resolutions, don't make your previous resolutions. One of my resolutions is to go to New York City or London, England, and take a big trip."

The Forks Market is part of a CBC special counting down New Year's Eve. (Marina von Stackelberg/CBC)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marina von Stackelberg is a senior reporter at CBC's Parliamentary Bureau in Ottawa. She covers national politics and specializes in health policy. Marina previously worked as a reporter and host in Winnipeg, with earlier stints in Halifax and Sudbury. Connect with her by email at mvs@cbc.ca or on social media @CBCMarina.