Looking for a fun and safe way to celebrate New Year’s Eve with young children?

Then mark your calendar for the second Noon Year’s Eve event.

The party starts at 10:30 a.m Saturday at Margaret R. Brown Elementary School, 550 Miller Lane in Seymour. There will be snacks, crafts, games and other activities geared toward children ages 2 to 8.

At noon, a countdown will take place, and 500 balloons will be dropped on the children. The party ends at 12:30 p.m.

There is no cost for admission, and children of all ages are welcome to attend. Parents or guardians must remain with their children for the duration of the event.

More than 250 people attended last year.

Organized by the Jackson County Education Coalition’s Early Childhood Learning initiative, Noon Year’s Eve is a way to increase awareness of preschool opportunities in the area, especially On My Way Pre-K.

On My Way Pre-K is a state-funded program currently serving 95 4-year olds at 13 sites in the county, including public and parochial schools and private day care centers.

The program provides vouchers to low-income families to send their children to a preschool program in the area that has received a Level 3 Paths to QUALITY rating through the state’s Family and Social Services Administration.

Read the full story in Wednesday’s Tribune and online at tribtown.com.