ScienceWorks hosts balloon-filled ‘Noon Year’s Eve’ celebration

Following a countdown, 500 colorful balloons dropped from the ceiling into the arms of excited kids. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
December 29, 2024

Balloons weren’t only things dropped, as plenty of eggs were dropped in a contest to engineer the best protection contraption

By Bob and Tracy Palermini for Ashland.news

ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum rang in the new year a little early with its 11th annual “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration Sunday. The family-friendly event welcomed hundreds of visitors of all ages who explored the museum’s interactive science exhibits and enjoyed special activities.

Guests were treated to appearances by the Ashland Police Department, Ashland Aerial Arts, the Ashland High School Robotics Team, Daydreams Face Painting, YMCA Camp DeBoer, and tasty bites from the Super Smash Burgers and Hula Grill food truck.

A large crowd gathered at ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum for the 11th annual “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration Sunday. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini

As the clock approached noon, children and their families gathered in two rooms for the event’s main attraction. With a countdown led by museum staff, the excitement peaked as 500 colorful balloons rained down from the ceiling in each room. Kids scooped up balloons, which they were encouraged to take home as souvenirs.

The fun didn’t stop there. Families were invited to flex their creativity and engineering skills in two classrooms, where they crafted protective vehicles for their “Eggs-tronauts.” These custom contraptions were later put to the test in an egg-drop challenge, rounding out a day filled with hands-on learning and celebration.

ScienceWorks’ “Noon Year’s Eve” continues to offer a unique way for families to welcome the new year with science, creativity and community.

Bob & Tracy Palermini are residents of Ashland, where he is staff photographer for Ashland.news. Email Bob at [email protected].

Sonya Smith, kneeling, artistic director and owner of Ashland Aerial Arts, assists Violet Latka, 5, visiting from Seattle, in trying out some aerial moves. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
After the balloon drop, families gathered in the classrooms to use their engineering skills to build a protective vehicle for the egg-drop challenge. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
Jessica McClure (center) and son Sage, at right, from Grants Pass, used the wind tube to test out their paper cone hovercraft. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
The Ashland High School Robotics Club set up a mini robot challenge for kids to try out their driving skills. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
The Ashland Police Department, represented by, from left, Maurya Murphey, Kelly Haptonstall, School Resource Officer Bates, and Officer Fox, welcomed visitors to ScienceWorks on Sunday. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
Jack Berman, 6, was fascinated by the lightning ball at ScienceWorks “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration Sunday. Jack and his mother Becca Mankinen, from Colorado, were visiting grandpa Richard Mankinen of Medford. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
Picture of Bert Etling

Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at [email protected].

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