Staff Report

For many, the coming of a new year is an event to be heralded with celebrations, fireworks and champagne.

Not so in the River Parishes, it seems.

When L’Observateur asked visitors to its Web site to vote on how they plan to ring in 2010, half said they plan to have a quiet evening at home.

Also, despite the fact that fireworks are legal in most parts of the River Parishes, very few respondents said they would welcome 2010 with their own firecrackers and bottle rockets. Even fewer said they would go watch a fireworks display somewhere. Not surprising as New Orleans is the closest locale with a fireworks show planned for New Year’s Eve.

A full breakdown of responses to the question “Once Christmas is over, people’s minds turn toward the celebration of the coming of a new year. How do you plan to ring in 2010?” follows:

• 10 percent of respondents chose “I plan to shoot off fireworks.”

• 23 percent of respondents chose “I will go to a party.”

• 5 percent of respondents chose “I will go watch a fireworks display or some other public celebration.”

• 50 percent chose “I plan to have a quiet evening at home.”

• 13 percent chose “Other.”

Next weeks question: Following the revelry of New Year’s Eve, many people make new year’s resolutions, with varying degrees of success. Most resolutions can be categorized into different groups. What kind of resolution will you make for 2010?

Visit www.lobservateur.com to cast your vote.