Welcoming the New Millennium at Union Station

In spite of the hype on December 31, 1999, and the year 2000, the real new millennium actually began on January 1, 2001. This year Union Station hosted its second New Year's Eve celebration from 6:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Clowns, balloon artists, and face painters were everywhere. There was an assortment of music on four stages: the Grand Hall, the Festival Plaza, the City Stage and Performance Park. The McFadden Brothers, Kerry Orchestra, Liverpool, Galaxy, Jim Cosgrove and The Hiccups performed.

In order not to miss anything, we entered the Grand Hall of Union Station some 15 minutes before 6:00 p.m. Since dinner is an important aspect of New Year's Eve, we began the night at Pierpont's Restaurant. After being seated, the first thing we noticed was the lethargic, leisurely service. When asked, our waitress said, "Tonight, our serving is based on a three-hour schedule." We commented that we needed to attend the other activities, and she replied that she could certainly speed it up. The special New-Year's-Eve menu included many tantalizing choices, though the prices were expensive. However, after the food arrived, we realized that it was well worth the cost. Appetizers ranged from a simple salad to $60/ounce caviar.

After dinner, we began to investigate the assortment of music on the 4 stages. We missed the Paul Mesner Puppet Show, but the Kerry Strayer Orchestra began to play just as we approached. Later, we enjoyed the Meffaden Brothers Show. Even though the intended film, N'SYNC: Bigger than Life, was not available due to unforeseen circumstances, the making of the movie and another N'SYNC concert were played on the City Extreme Screen.

Later in the evening, we had a chance to sample Fitz's. As though stepping back into the '50's, the atmosphere at Fitz's was much more relaxed and casual. Though not as formal as Pierpont's, the food here was also good. Throughout the evening, fire-eaters, magicians, and jugglers roamed the Station. At 9:00 p.m., unique indoor fireworks were ignited by a lucky family contest winner in the Grand Hall. This consisted of a laser show, loud explosions, and realistic smoke. At midnight, the indoor fireworks were repeated, followed shortly by a large outside fireworks display. The New Year was ushered in with the largest balloon drop in the Midwest (20,000 balloons) and a champagne party.

Tickets for the event were priced at $60 per adult or $165 for a family of 4. Children under 3 were free. Though food was not provided in the price of the event, fine dining and food court restaurants were open for business throughout the evening, including Pierpont's, the Union Café, and Fitz's.

Kerry Orchestra at the Union Station

At Pierpont's Restaurant (left) and its bar (right)

Midnight balloon drop

Indoor (left) and outdoor midnight fireworks (right)