For the first time in two years residents have a choice of ringing in the New Year in either the Old Towne of St George or in the City of Hamilton.But due to the current economic climate this will be the first time in 20 years that both the Corporation of St George’s and the Corporation of Hamilton were unable to sponsor a New Year’s celebration with financial support, however both organisations have stepped in with other forms of assistance.While two Bermuda Onions will be dropped exactly at midnight tonight, East Enders are boasting bragging rights that they will have the original Bermuda Onion made by firemen based in St George’s some 17 years ago.Organisers say it has been revamped and refinished to bring in the New Year to be followed by a spectacular laser light show.Spokeswoman Michelle Wales told The Royal Gazette a small group of business owners stepped in at the end of November and hurriedly raised $17,750 to put on this year’s event. And while she admits it was a last minute dash to pull it off in such a short period she said: “I think it just goes to show that if you put your mind to it as a community, you can achieve your goal.”Most businesses will be closed by nightfall, but dinner reservations at East End restaurants were booking up fast for New Year’s Eve.The actual event kicks off at 6.30pm on Water Street with an artistic exhibit featuring eight local photographers one of them, Skye Kermode, is a teenaged student who will be showing her work for the first time. She will join the ranks of well-known photographers Lloyd Webbe, Sinclair Williams, Dale Lewis, Chris Burville, Mickael Ebbin, Lisa Greene and Juanite Leshore. And while that’s in progress jazz saxophonist Wendell ‘Shine’ Hayward will be playing his sultry tunes.At 7.30pm it all moves to King’s Square with events designed with the whole family in mind. Apart from vendors selling food, baked goods and novelty items, there will a section set up just for young children in the Kids Zone which includes fun castles, small ‘kiddie’ rides, face painting and a mechanical bull.On centre stage will be the A Team Dancers with performers who sing and do rap. Also featured will be the band Working Title with Lamont Robinson, which will be playing until 11.30pm and the popular fire eaters will also perform.The Town Crier, David Frith, will also be on hand and the Mayor of St George’s Kenneth Bascome is expected to do the final countdown at midnight, just before the traditional onion drops. It all culminates with a laser light show and there will be music by the Reality Sound System crew until 1am on Sunday.Ms Wales also said the East End New Year’s Eve Committee remain hopeful that it will all go well, and most importantly that the weather is good.“If you’re looking for a family oriented event and a peaceful way to bring in the New Year, St George’s is the place to be. It’s nice to have more than one option this year, and we definitely wanted to host a free event. And it’s probably safer to have more than one event instead of one big crowd at one event.”Organisers of the New Year’s Eve event in the City of Hamilton have been so inundated by requests from local artists looking to perform that they have moved up the start time to 7.30pm. Sounds of Sanctuary is hosting the city event with the Bermuda Department of Tourism.Spokesmen Eugene Dean and Gladstone Simmons both believe that in spite of the current economic downturn, unprecedented social challenges and mounting concerns regarding violent crime in Bermuda New Year’s Eve is not the time to be discouraged, but rather encouraged.When asked why both said: “Because our individual efforts, executed in one accord, have proven once again that together, we as a community can overcome and succeed.”This year’s event features a wide variety of genres including world music, folk, rap, poetry, hip hop, R&B, dancehall, reggae, pop, rock, alternative and soul from a host of budding artists, current icons and seasoned veterans, all highlighting the richness and vibrancy of the local entertainment scene.As for tonight, the only downside is there is rain in the forecast for New Year’s Eve. According to the Bermuda Weather Service, there’s at least a few showers expected with the risk of a thunderstorm at night. Winds will be moderate out of the south, veering south-south westerly increasing to strong gusts by this afternoon, with gale force winds anticipated overnight. The expected low is 64F.