Staff Writer

Dec. 20, 1999 10 PM

Tons of fun await those who decide to ring in the new year in downtown Troy.

The city’s Year 2000 Millennium celebration Committee is planning a night of family fun on the downtown square.

All activities begin at 8 p.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. Jan. 1, 2000.

"We hope people will get into this because they won’t have to leave Troy to participate in the year 2000," said Ron Pierce, the committee’s entertainment chairman. "A lot of people are concerned about traveling that weekend because of the millennium bug."

The New Year’s Eve event will center around three activities designed for people of all ages.

Great American Video Dance Party, an entertainment system, and Reactor, a thrill ride, will headline the celebration, Pierce said.

The video dance party is a full fledge dance show, Pierce said. It consists of two 336 square foot image projection screens, a sound system and laser light show, he said. It shows real music videos and live video cameras allow dancers to take part in the action.The system also includes a mirror ball, special effects, fog and bubble machines.

The Reactor is a motion simulation thrill ride which allows participants to "ride through the movies," Pierce said.

The ride is composed of two tractor trailers on top of which sit seat that move in front of a movie screen. He described it as "a simulation thrill ride."

"There’s nothing like this that’s ever been in Troy," he said.

There will also be Fun Flicks, an interactive video show that will allow participants to take home a video tape of their New Year’s Eve experience, he said. Using more than $.25 million worth of state-of-the-art sound and video equipment and special effects, people get to make their own videos.

"I doubt the kids in Troy have ever had a movie of themselves," Pierce said. "We are encouraging family participation."

Besides these headliners, there will be food booths, souvenir vendors and tables and chairs.

"We encourage people to bring snacks and grills," he said. "There will be heaters where people can gather.

"We want everyone to come and have a good time. It will be a family tailgating atmosphere without the vehicles."

Pierce said people should park at the Troy Municipal Complex and the Pike county Courthouse. No parking will be allowed on the square.

"This will be a great event for family entertainment and a great opportunity to stay in Troy and have fun," Pierce said.