New Year's Eve Guide 2002/2003 Centerstage's Absolute Last-Minute, Ridiculously Thorough, I Refuse to Have Another Horrid New Year's New Year's Eve 2003 Guide

Kate Schwartz, editor

The main event...
Navy Pier
Ferris Wheel Countdown and Fireworks
In an effort to prove that Chicago does not have ball-envy, the City has its own way of counting down the last few seconds of 2002; the ten rings of beaming light on the Navy Pier Ferris wheel will be disappearing one-by-one during the final ten seconds of 2002. The disappearance of the inner ring will mark the arrival of the year 2003 and set off Navy Pier's elaborate fireworks display and Ferris wheel light spectacular, set to a New Year's-themed soundtrack.

If Navy Pier isn't your thing, head on over to Grant Park, which also provides a freezingly fabulous view of the fireworks spectacular.

Spirit of Chicago
Lake Michigan
Tickets: 866-211-3804 or www.spiritcruises.com

$149.00 per person includes Chef Cesar's best-plated meals with tableside service, five Hour Premium open bar Party Favors, hats & streamers, the best seat in town for New Year's Eve Fireworks and live DJs playing the best music from the 40's to today. Guarantee a private table with the $42.50 per person "Sweetheart Package" and receive a bouquet of roses to boot. Departs at 9:00pm and returns at 12:30am (Dockside until 1:00am).