Some Parksville residents wished each other a happy new year a tad early on Dec. 31.
At least 250 people turned out to celebrate "Happy Noon Year", starting at 11 a.m. at Memorial Plaza, according to the Parksville Downtown Business Association, which organized the family-friendly event.
There was dancing, with music provided by DJ Connor, free cupcakes, hot beverages, a holiday photo booth, games and face painting.
Following a countdown, at noon a hundred or so balloons were dropped from the window of a building facing the plaza, much to the delight of dozens of children.
