VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — People thinking of ringing in the new year at Town Center of Virginia Beach and Pembroke Mall, will have to look elsewhere to celebrate.
The shopping complex had to cancel its NYEvenings event due to COVID-19 and rainy weather.
Organizers usually host the "Last Night on the Town" celebration every year, like clockwork, on New Year's Eve. Like most of 2020, organizers had to dial back on the festivities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s starts to get crowded usually later than this. But I can already tell this year is totally different. It’s not going to be the same. Makes me kind of sad," said shopper Beth Bickel.
Town Center revamped the event, calling it NYEvenings at Town Center of Virginia Beach, which would feature some live, outdoor entertainment.
Unlike Last Night on the Town, where there is usually an official countdown and a big stage, this year organizers encouraged people to come out to the shopping center on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31 to enjoy local musicians, jugglers and balloon artists.
Festivities had to be canceled for New Year's Eve due to COVID-19 and the weather. Restaurants at Town Center and Pembroke Mall are still open and recommend calling in early to make reservations.
The Cantina Laredo restaurant operations manager Niraj Patel is hoping for a fresh start in 2021.
“I think everyone has been looking forward to the day that we’re finally over this hump. Finally getting past the year of 2020," said Patel.
Cantina Laredo opened in January and the restaurant was forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It’s a little unconventional this year but you got to do what you got to do to adapt for the moment you just got to keep moving forward," said Patel.