SALT LAKE CITY -- Fireworks and live music were among several events in Salt Lake City's "EVE" celebration for the new year.
EVE, put on by the Downtown Alliance, has been going on for the past three days. The event is billed as "family friendly," with music and activities scattered around the downtown area.
On Friday, the Gateway was hosting a glow in the dark bounce room, face painting, and a jumbo Lite Brite.
Downtown Alliance organizers say the cold weather likely pushed a lot of the partiers indoors, particularly in the first few days of the celebration.
"It was cold, but I think that gave people the opportunity to do some of the indoor events like going to our partners at the museums and Broadway shows and Planetarium and the improv comedy," said Nick Como with Downtown Alliance.
Events were also being held at the Leonardo museum, Temple Square and the Gallivan Center.
"When I heard about things indoors that they can run around and jump around, with all the
cold weather I thought that's it," said Tomena Goodwin, who was at the Gateway with her four children.
Event organizers say they sold thousands of wristbands for EVE this year and attendance was "on par" with the 2011 celebration. The Salt Lake Film Society reported greater attendance at its events in 2012 than in 2011.
On Monday night, the party was packed and by midnight, it was standing room only.
EVE's popularity and affordability have propelled it on to travel website Travelocity.com's Top 10 New Year's destinations list.
