Duluth Rocks on New Year's Eve (See Video)

Downtown Duluth was rockin’ on New Year’s Eve.

Duluth residents greeted 2012 by dancing energetically to the music of legendary party band Banks & Shane on the Town Green and cheering enthusiastically as the city’s “Catch the Spirit” icon ascended the Duluth City Hall Clock Tower amidst fireworks.

Earlier activities include a family-friendly Winter Carnival with a gigantic snow slide, rides and games; a downtown crawl of shops and restaurants, and Chick-fil-A Bowl viewing on a big screen.

Throughout the evening, Pure Taqueria sold its famous Margaritas, and Best of Brews tapped kegs of draft beer to fill glasses for celebrants. Vendors offered hot dogs, hamburgers, funnel cakes and other traditional carnival fare.

Also entertaining on the Duluth Festival Amphitheater Stage were the country band Allatoona, MY Salsa, the acoustic trio Tyler Talks to Doors, and the Gwinnett School of Rock.

After the bluegrass concert by the Mozier Brothers & Friends at the Red Clay Theatre across the street ended, that crowd joined the festivities.

Mayor Nancy Harris led the countdown to midnight with outgoing City Administrator Phil McLemore and incoming City Manager Tim Shearer. McLemore, who served the city for 15 years, officially retired at the stroke of midnight, and Shearer assumed office. McLemore will continue through March to assist with the transition.

It was wonderful to see so many things happening and so many people downtown. Let's hope it means more good things for the city in the new year.