NEW YEAR'S: The rise and fall of the Mushroom

Dec. 22 is the first day of winter, which means the days are going to start getting longer!
For the third year in a row, the huge lighted mushroom will descend in downtown Kennett Square to ring in the New Year. This year's "Midnight in the Square" celebration will also feature the raising of the mushroom at 8 p.m. There's also going to be a heated tent in the parking lot on South Union Street, opening at 9 p.m., where food, beer and wine will be served, with a $5 cover charge.
The Funsters band will start playing on South Union Street at 10 p.m. Food vendors will set up at 7 p.m. on State Street.
The event is free but you do have to bring a nonperishable food item for the community food cupboard; last year more than 1.5 tons of food was collected. There are details about parking, sponsors and shuttle buses on the event's website, www.midnightinthesquare.com