"Putting on a giant laser show" instead of fireworks on New Year's Eve "is the way of the future" according to mayor Reg Kidd. And it's one of the few good things to come about through COVID-19, he added.
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"I think we're moving away from fireworks now," Cr Kidd said Monday morning at a media event at Wade Park.
"I think we will be the trailblazers across NSW. This will be the way of the future - we won't be spending money that goes up in a puff of smoke (on fireworks).
"What we can do with lasers now is quite amazing."
The Mayor added that he hoped that when 2020 is looked back on - that "horrible year of covid" - the transition from fireworks to cheaper, more practical laser displays at New Year's Eve celebrations will provide one of the few bright sparks.
Even before COVID-19, it was clear to Orange City Council that fireworks were not a feasible option on New Year's Eve when there was quite often heightened bushfire risk - as was the case last year when Orange was among the NSW councils who were forced to cancel their display.
While public restrictions were easing almost daily in NSW, it was thought that the ticketed New Year's Eve event at Wade Park would allow for 4000 people.
The event will be hosted by Light Up Central West, a not-for-profit group formed by local business representatives to support the Central West economy.
Orange City Council provided $30,000 for the event and joins Kennards Hire and Newcrest Mining as a major sponsor.
Kennards Hire Regional Manager Craig McMahon said the highlight of the New Year's Eve celebration would be three 15-minute laser shows produced by internationally renowned company Laservision Mega Media.
"A light show is a more modern, safer approach than the traditional fireworks and can incorporate sound and visual elements to tell a story," Mr McMahon said.
"For the first year of Light Up Orange 2020 we wanted to go back to the beginning to the story of the first people of our land.
"We're working with the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service and the Aboriginal Lands Council to create two laser shows, an extended Welcome to Country and a story about the Wiradjuri people of this region, while a third show will be a celebration of the New Year."
Seating for the family-friendly, alcohol-free event on December 31 will be around the grounds of the park, as well as in the new seating.
Tickets are $9.50 and currently available from Eventbrite or via the Light Up Orange 2020 Facebook page.
Proceeds will go to Give Me 5 For Kids to purchase equipment for the children's ward at Orange Health Service.
Gates will open at 6.30pm at Wade Park, with the laser show beginning at 8.30pm.
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