The much-anticipated countdown at the annual Happy “Noon Year” Party in Glenview wowed kids and their families as 1,500 multi-colored balloons dropped from a wide net at the Park Center on Dec. 31.
It took about three hours on Dec. 30 for Glenview Park District staff to inflate the balloons for the New Year’s Eve balloon drop, said Kara Graber, visual arts and recreation supervisor for the Glenview Park District. It featured balloons in many colors, including silver and clear balloons with confetti.
The 90-minute event welcomed 185 children who were registered, Graber said, meaning that about 400 to 500 people attended if you added in parents and doting chaperones like grandparents.
For 2026, Graber said there is a lot to look forward to at the Glenview Park District.
“We have a lot of new and exciting events coming in 2026,” Graber said. “We’re just excited for new change around here.”
Graber said the Splash Landings pool indoors at the Park Center is being renovated for a late autumn opening.
“A new pool is coming too, so just get ready for fun and excitement in 2026,” Graber said.
The Noon Year’s Eve party took place in the Park Center’s large gym. Large inflatable attractions with a holiday theme kept children busy.
Other amenities included face painting, guided dancing and games, and the popular rainbow round parachute unveiled to keep kids engaged until right before the balloon drop.
Thomas Nebel, 5, a kindergartner from Glenview, had his face painted with a blue shark. His sister Ava, 3, also attended with their mother Chelsie Nebel.
“It’s been wonderful,” raising a family in Glenview, Chelsie Nebel said. “We’ve just loved it.”
Davy DeCleene, 5, a kindergartner of Glenview was accompanied by his grandparents “Pops” and “Honey” otherwise known as Chris and Judy Berno of Glenview.
Judy Berno said, “I just love it,” about ringing in 2026 with Davy.
Zandra Khosbayar of Glenview brought daughter Misheel, 4. Misheel wore a festive headband featuring a holiday gift box for the occasion.
Misheel’s mother said they attended, “just to have fun, have an early New Year party.”
Posing at the 2026 photo opportunity step and repeat station were many families, including Ashhad and Annie Ghazi of Glenview and their children Aleena, 3, and Mustafa, 1.
Ashhad Ghazi hoped in 2026 for the family to have, “a healthy, successful year with a lot of happiness.”