This year will feature, yet again, the world-famous Grucci Fireworks in the Blue Point Brewery parking lot. “Midnight” in Patchogue Village is again at 9 p.m., representing the ahead-of-its-time village. 

“We’re delighted that the tradition of Midnight on Main Street continues to grow as a great family event to celebrate the New Year! We are so proud our New Year’s performance is a featured element in the evening,” said Phil Grucci, CEO/creative director of Fireworks by Grucci. “Patchogue is a picture-perfect setting to host such an amazing family event. With the celebration at 9 p.m., Patchogue is ‘ahead of it time!’”

Grucci described with enthusiasm some of the fireworks designs they will be presenting that night.

“There will be powerful crackling palms, thunderous reports and silver snow blossoms with a lasting touch of Christmas red, green and gold glitter!” he said. “We hope we have a beautiful, starry night and an evening to spend with family and friends to say farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025!”

The Blue Point Brewery will be closed to accommodate the event with plans to open at 10 p.m. until 3 a.m.

The countdown to the ball rise and the fireworks will commence at 9 p.m. Partygoers are encouraged to come early for a good spot and free hats and noisemakers, and to treat themselves to the local bars and restaurants. This year’s DJ is DJ Beso and the emcee is Rob Cutrone, owner of CoHo.

This year’s co-chairs are Gerry Crean and Mike Cirigliano. Stage sponsors, including the Cirigliano Agency, Grucci Fireworks, and Exquisite Catering, will be the button pushers this year, spurring the countdown to the ball rise at 9 p.m., lighting and sound system for the event, Cirigliano said of what is new this year. “We hope for it to have a much bigger impact on the event. It will also allow us the opportunity to offer special sponsorship opportunities on the stage.”

Additionally, again this year, with the combination of Winter Wonderland, the family event, there will also be a bounce house, crafts and games for families to enjoy.   

Also, the chamber is planning to raffle off their “30 Days of Dining” baskets, which help sponsor the event. Tickets are currently being sold on the chamber website.

Committee vice chair Lori Belmonte, co-owner of the Colony Shop, said Midnight on Main is her favorite event.

“It’s Times Square without traveling to the city,” she said. “It’s a fun, family event. We’ll be handing out hats and noisemakers, with dancing in the streets. Guaranteed fun for everyone!”

Ball to rise, not drop

True to the event, the original ball—a 4-foot multifaceted Lucite geodesic sphere with LED lights, made by NorthStar Signs & Neon Inc.—will rise to the anticipated crowd of about 3,000 to 5,000 in rain, shine, or snow on Dec. 31. 

The ball will be situated directly in the middle of the intersection, just west of and much higher than the traffic lights. Extra preparations will also be made to further secure it, anticipating additional winds due to the lack of building coverage.

The crowd

The chamber is expecting about 3,000 to 5,000 eventgoers, depending on the weather. 

“This has been a beautiful tradition in the community where everyone is invited to experience the magic of Midnight in Main,” said chamber executive director Silvana Aloisio. “It’s an amazing show of our vibrant community to come together to celebrate the New Year with music, family fun, and it’s an incredible opportunity to create lasting memories, to support the wonderful local small businesses and share in the spirit that makes Patchogue so special. I hope all can join us as we ring in the New Year a little early, but with all the excitement and warmth you’d expect from our village!”

Safety measures

The event might seem like one big party, but getting the job done is a joint effort among private security company PSA, Village of Patchogue public safety officers, Patchogue Fire Department firefighters, Patchogue Ambulance Company members, and Suffolk County police. Garbage trucks will block either side of Main Street for protection, and clear garbage bags will outfit the streets.

Street closures

The larger-than-ever event will now start with street closures beginning at 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., after the 9 p.m. ball rise. Streets will be closed on West Main Street from North/South Ocean Avenue to River Avenue, West Avenue from Division Street to Lake Street, and Holbrook Road from the Waverly circle to the Lake Street circle. Midnight on Main will take place with Fireworks by Grucci at the intersection of West Main and West Avenue. Roads will reopen by 10 p.m.