2012 Downtown Countdown

Saturday, December 31, 2011
7:00pm – 12:15am

The City of Barrie is proud to present the 14th annual Downtown Countdown.  Ring in the New Year in downtown Barrie with a free evening of fun and entertainment for the whole family beginning at 7:00pm!  Festivities include skating on the Circle at the Centre rink, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, and food vendors.  Don't miss the fireworks shows - one at 7:45pm for the kids and the second at midnight.

Once again, Barrie Transit is offering free transit from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.  After 9:00pm, regular fares apply and service is extended until 3:00am to get you home safely.

Entertainment

7:00pm - Splash 'n Boots
7:45pm - Fireworks
8:15pm - Sarah Melody
9:15pm - San Sebastian
10:30pm - Arkells
11:55pm - Countdown to midnight and fireworks!

	Splash 'n Boots 7:00pm While attending Queen's University, Taes and Nick performed their first concert together as part of a class project....Splash 'n Boots was born!  Upon graduation, Splash 'n Boots hit the road full-time performing over 700 shows in 6 countries, releasing 5 CDs and 2 full-length DVDs, and appearing on Treehouse.  Nominated alongside legendary Robert Munsch and Jack Grunsky, Splash 'n Boots won 'Canadian Children's Music Group of the Year' at the Independent Music Awards in Toronto.  Splash ‘n Boots will bring their original songs, fresh sounds and remarkable humour to the Downtown Countdown stage.   Kids of all ages will enjoy their high energry show followed by fireworks at 7:45pm. www.splashnboots.com
	Sarah Melody 8:15pm Barrie native Sarah Melody began her career at the podium speaking out about anti-bullying, human-rights and self-respect. Her biggest speaking endeavours include representing Canada at the United Nations in New York in 2006 and at the World Youth Summit at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland in 2009. The confidence gained from those speaking engagements was the catalyst needed to launch her music career and gave her the platform necessary to affect change. Sarah's strong and dynamic voice has been featured on YTV, CFTO, TV Ontario, Rogers TV, Much Music and various print and on-line publications.  Sarah is an independent artist with a do-it-yourself approach who is staying true to her social causes.  Check out Sarah, our hometown girl, on the Downtown Countdown stage. www.sarahmelody.com
	San Sebastian 9:15pm Formerly known as "Pumps", San Sebastian came together in late 2008 to lay down the foundations of a rock 'n roll band. After appearing on the MuchMusic series disBAND, they were signed to Universal Canada. The members of the band are singer Mike Veerman, guitarist Brodie Dawson, bassist Greg Veerman, guitarist Sean Dawson, and drummer Ted Paterson. Since their launch, San Sebastian has built a loyal following winning ‘New Artist/Group of the Year’ at the Hamilton Music Awards.  They released singles ‘Wake Up’ and ‘Young Youth’ in 2010 and their debut LP ‘Relations’ was released in October 2011.  San Sebastian will have you dancing to their indie pop-rock sound on New Year's Eve. www.sansebastianmusic.com
	10:30pm Arkells were formed in Hamilton five years ago when  Max Kerman, Mike DeAngelis, Dan Griffin, Anthony Carone, Nick Dika and Tim Oxford were playing in a softball league together and decided that playing music was their calling. After self- releasing their EP 'Deadlines' in 2007, they were soon signed by Dine Alone Records (the label for Alexisonfire and City and Colour).  Their debut album 'Jackson Square' included hit songs ‘Oh! The Boss is Coming,’ ‘The Ballad of Hugo Chavez,’ ‘John Lennon,’ and ‘Pullin’ Punches.’  Along with the success of album 'Jackson Square' came the accolades of winning a Juno for New Group of the Year in 2010.  With the recent release of their second album, 'Michigan Left', has come successful singles ‘Whistleblower’ and ‘Kiss Cam.’  The Arkells are known for their fun, high energy live show and have toured extensively playing alongside acts such as Bedouin Soundclash, Sam Roberts Band, Metric, Pearl Jam, Tokyo Police Club, and Them Crooked Vultures. Check out one of Canada's hottest bands as we ring in 2012 in Barrie! www.arkells.ca

Sponsorship Opportunities

A variety of sponsorship opportunities are currently available for community businesses interested in gaining valuable exposure while supporting an exciting New Year’s Eve celebration.  Please contact us for details.