The New Year’s Eve forecast of above freezing temperatures, light winds and a 20 percent  chance of rain promises for a great early evening of  fireworks at Rocky Point Park.

The first of the rockets takes to the sky at 6 p.m.

If anything like previous displays, City Parks and Recreation Director Beverly Wiley said the show will be colorful and entertaining and the five-minute finale spectacular.  She said in response to last year’s early turnout of spectators, the city is billing the event as starting at 3 p.m. Sunday.  She said many spectators want to view the show from their cars.

But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do but wait. Eight food trucks are booked; there will be a DJ and there will be hand outs such as glow rings, in addition to other give aways for the kids, Wiley said.

Wiley urged spectators to use the parks’ Palmer Avenue entrance. She said police did a wonderful job of managing traffic last year.

And should the rain arrive, the show will be postponed to the following evening… or, should we say, to 2024.