New Year's Eve fun, Austin-Style

AUSTIN (KXAN) - It's New Year's Eve, Austin style. Thousands of people lined up along the South First bridge and all along Auditorium Shores to watch the huge 34-foot-tall clock tower burn down, to ring in the new year.

The burning of the artistically carved grandfather clock is a first for this 4th annual "First Night Tradition."

Music and activities kicked off at 3 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The biggest draw clearly was the burning clock that kicked off just after 8:15 p.m.

"It represents Austin to me, the activities, the fire," said Sara Hamilton, who showed up with her two girls and husband. "It's classic Austin."

Out-of-town visitors were impressed with the family friendliness of the event.

"We came to visit our friends in Austin," said Melissa Ruiz of Corpus Christi. "This is the first time we've been here. It's nice to see this. It's s a good family event."

Fireworks started at 11:45 p.m.