Revelers willing to brave the frigid temperatures as the clock approaches midnight Wednesday will find plenty of things to do — but law enforcement officials hope their plans don’t include you.
The National Weather Service says thermometers will read about 4 degrees when 2015 arrives. The chill isn’t expected to put a blanket on events such as Denver’s 13th annual fireworks display along the 16th Street Mall. As usual, there will be two shows, one at 9 p.m. and the other at midnight. Both will offer free entertainment as the countdown draws near.
Elsewhere, one can find activities ranging from Dr. Seuss to DJs.
The McNichols Event Center at Civic Center park promises everything from light and laser shows to surprise celebrity and professional athlete guests as it rocks from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Those looking for a touch of whimsy might opt for the Jesters Dinner Theater of Longmont’s production of “Seussical.”
Whatever you decide, the emphasis should be on safety. The Colorado Department of Transportation and the State Patrol say they are teaming with almost 100 law enforcement agencies throughout the state as part of CDOT’s impaired-driving prevention campaign.
The New Year’s crackdown, which started Tuesday and runs through Monday, includes more DUI checkpoints and law enforcement on the streets looking for impaired drivers.
State Patrol officials said they and their law enforcement partners made more than 500 arrests during last year’s crackdown. The department offers alternatives to impaired driving, including public transportation, taxis and ride-share services such as Lyft and Uber.
Also, the Regional Transportation District will offer free rides on all regularly scheduled bus and light-rail service, as well as Access-a-Ride and SkyRide services. The free service will run from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday.
“With so many transportation options available, there really is no excuse for drivers to get behind the wheel when they’re impaired,” said Darrell Lingk, director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT.
