VIENNA- People rang in the new year with decorations, libations and lots of good cheer.
Local party supply stores and beverage suppliers saw a lot of business Monday as people came in to get what they needed to ring in 2013 in traditional fashion.
The Goldmark Party House and Wedding Nook in Vienna saw several people come in over the last few days to get party supplies, such as balloons, decorations and noise makers.
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Photo by Brett Dunlap
Rhonda Staats of Goldmark Party House and Wedding Nook prepares a New Year’s balloon display Monday as area residents prepared to ring in 2013.
"We always do a lot of sales for individuals, organizations and restaurants," said Pat Umensetter, employee at Goldmark. "We also sell kits that have everything people will need with the hats and noise makers.
"We also sell the plates, napkins and decorations of all kind."
The store has done a lot of New Year's banners and balloon displays for people and organizations.
"Many use a lot of balloons for decorations," Umensetter said. "People are still wanting the traditional colors of silver, black and gold.
"That has seemed to carry over for the last few years."
Veterans groups and churches that were having gatherings and special events on New Year's Eve came in to buy decorations and party novelties.
"They come in and want the balloons and noise makers," Umensetter said. "Those are always popular year after year."
Year-specific items with a "2013" design are not as popular as other decorations.
"There is not as much year-specific things as you would think," Umensetter said.
At North End Market in Parkersburg, people were in throughout Monday getting a variety of liquor, champagne and beer for gatherings and to toast in the new year, said President and General Manager Bill Hupp.
"This is the busiest day of the year," he said of New Year's Eve. "We have been really busy."
The most popular brands of champagne have been Martini and Rossi Asti Spumante and Korbel.
"Sales have been very brisk," Hupp said.
Even with the holiday, the other business Goldmark does continues on this week as many people are still marking milestones in their own lives.
"We are still working on weddings, baby showers and anniversaries," Umensetter said. "All of that still goes on. It doesn't stop at the New Year holiday."
