Staff Writer

Dec. 27, 1999 11 PM

The City of Troy’s Year 2000 Millennium Celebration Committee is planning a night of family fun on the downtown square Friday.

All activities begin at 8 p.m. Friday and conclude at 1 p.m. Saturday. Attractions are free for the first use, and there may be a small fee to participate additional times, said Ron Pierce, the committee’s entertainment chairman.

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

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

An entertainment system called "Great American Video Dance Party" and a simulation ride called "The Reactor" will headline the celebration.

The video dance party will create the atmosphere of a dance club or show on the square, Pierce said. It consists of two 336 square foot image projection screens, a sound system and a laser light show, he said.

Music videos are projected on a screen, 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 seats 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.

Participants will make their own videos using more than $.25 million worth of state-of-the-art sound and video equipment and special effects.

"I doubt the kids in Troy have ever had a movie of themselves," Pierce said. "This is a great way to commemorate this historic New Year’s Eve."

Besides the three headlining activities, there will be food booths, tables and chairs.

"We encourage people to bring snacks and grills," he said.

There will be souvenir booths where you can by the commemorative ball caps, T-shirts and tote bags with the City of Troy’s Year 2000 Millennium Celebration logo.

"There will be 10 large heaters at various sites on the square where people can gather and warm up," he said. "We will also serve hot chocolate and coffee.

"We’re not sure how cold it will be that night, and we want everyone to stay warm."

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

People should park at the Troy Municipal Complex and the Pike County Courthouse. No parking will be allowed on the square.

"We are encouraging family participation," he said. "This will be a great event for family entertainment and a great opportunity to stay in Troy and have fun."