Owosso City Council members expressed gratitude and excitement during their December 16, 2024, meeting for the successful organization of the New Year's Eve block party and fireworks, a significant community event that faced uncertainty earlier this year. Councilman Chris Owens was recognized for his pivotal role in reviving the event after it was initially dropped from the agenda.

Owens faced considerable pressure from community members and took on the challenge of coordinating the necessary logistics, including securing insurance and fundraising for the fireworks. His efforts, supported by the city manager and other officials, culminated in a successful plan that was finalized just days before the event. The council praised Owens as a "champion" for the New Year's Eve celebration, highlighting the collaborative spirit that made the event possible.

The discussion also acknowledged the contributions of Lizzie, a member of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), who had previously worked hard to find a champion for the event. Council members emphasized that the success of the New Year's Eve festivities was a team effort, with no blame placed on anyone for past challenges in organizing the event.

Looking ahead, the council plans to integrate the New Year's Eve celebration more closely with the DDA, ensuring that future events benefit from a stronger partnership between city officials and community organizations. The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the upcoming festivities and a commitment to fostering collaboration for future events.