'Rock the Roundabout 2011' is fun for whole family

Snowshoeing with friends at Chestnut Ridge one wintry afternoon, Village of Hamburg Mayor Tom Moses and his wife, Mary Lou, began dreaming up the possibility of holding a New Year’s Eve ball drop in Hamburg.

Last year, that dream became a reality with “Rock the Roundabout,” as many people from Hamburg and beyond gathered at Main and Buffalo streets for a fun-filled evening of music, games and reconnecting with friends.

At this Saturday’s second annual “Rock the Roundabout,” event-goers can expect another great night, with a few changes to improve safety.

“Instead of holding the event in the street, we will hold it in the municipal parking lot,” said Mary Lou Moses. “I know people are disappointed, but for safety reasons, we had to move it over there.”

She explained that, while last year’s location was fun, too many people flooded the streets and blocked the roundabout, which proved hazardous.

Over 5,000 people attended last year’s event.

“We did not anticipate that,” Moses said. “That was really a surprise for us.” The municipal parking lot will offer more space for mingling and for the many games planned.

Among the activities will be a scavenger hunt, which will use key businesses and landmarks in the village as clues. Last year’s grand prize was a Nintendo Wii.

“This year’s prize will be just as big,” Moses promised.

Also planned are land ski races, where teams of four stand on planks of wood held together with rope. All team members must lift their legs simultaneously in order to “ski” to the finish line.

“Everyone has fun doing these races,” said Moses, who noted that this event was a favorite at last year’s ball drop.

New this year will be “Minute To Win It” games for the chance to win prizes.

Musical entertainment in the earlier part of the evening will be provided by local blues and rock band Word of Mouth.

“It’s going to be a great gig, we are all very excited to play,” said Word of Mouth singer and lead guitarist Lucas Deuso. Last year, the band played inside Great Harvest Bread Company during “Rock the Roundabout,” but this year, the band is pleased to perform closer to the action.

“We’re playing on a stage near the lot, right in front of the ball drop,” said Deuso, who added that this will be the band’s biggest gig to date in terms of audience size.

Over the summer, Word of Mouth recorded their debut album, “Easy Like Sunday.” They hope this performance will be a great way to showcase their talent and gain new listeners.

As the night continues, music will be provided by a disc jockey, who will hold hula hoop and “Simon Says” contests for children.

Moses said that the evening would not be possible were it not for the Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department and other volunteers that commit their time and energy to make the event a success. More volunteers are still needed to help run “Rock the Roundabout.” Those interested in helping should call Moses at 472-6996.

“We would like to continue this as an annual event, but we are going to need more volunteers to make that possible,” said Moses, who is looking forward to seeing new faces at the event as well as returning attendees.

Among those who enjoyed “Rock the Roundabout” last year was 11-year-old Matt Russo. The Hamburg resident said that the best part of the night was visiting with his classmates.

“It was a blast,” Matt said, who already asked his father, Jeff, if they could attend this year’s festivities.

“It’s a great family event for New Year’s Eve,” said Jeff, who told The Sun that he would be once again taking his family to “Rock the Roundabout.”

He said that events such as “Rock the Roundabout,” the Hamburg Music Festival and Burgerfest are a wonderful way to showcase the village and drive business to the area.

“It’s great for the businesses and it brings the community closer together,” Jeff said.