Rain won't halt GR's New Year's party

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Organizers of the Grand Rapids News Year's Eve celebration say the festivities "must go on," even with rain in the forecast.

HOT-FM 105.3 is hosting the party for the third consecutive year. It will be centered around Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids.

"The show must go on," said Ellen Tailor, a spokeswoman for HOT-FM. "Rain boots are in style."

Amway will provide ponchos for the first 300 people who visit their tent at the event. Organizers are working to get more.

Good Charlotte, We The Kings, Runner Runner and Kaci Battaglia, plus Battle Creek native - and rising Nashville star - Frankie Ballard will perform.

The free party begins at 5:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve, with festivities and entertainment until after the New Year rings in.

Last year, organizers estimated between 30,000 and 50,000 people showed up, but they weathered below-freezing temperatures and snow -- not rain.