Delray Beach brings in cheer for the new year

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. - As the final moments of 20-12 give way to the first moments of 20-13, amidst the big crowds on Atlantic Avenue, dozens of children cut up folded paper into "snowflakes."

"I said, 'from Florida, we are thinking of you," said Jameson Roche, 11, of Boca Raton.

It was a message to the children of Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut.

"They're so sad, they need to be happy. It's not their fault," said Roche.

After a 2012 that included high-profile mass shootings, a polarizing presidential election and new economic worries amidst a divided Washington, there's hope for a new day ahead.

"I think we need to be more supportive of one another, gather together and all this stuff because some people are left behind," said Francesca LaPrelle of Massachusetts.

There was strength in numbers.

Organizers planned for 80,000 to celebrate on Atlantic Avenue.

They brought wishes with them.

"What we can we do to get along with everybody? If we all start listening to each other before we make decisions," said Robin McKnight of Pennsylvania.

They also brought confidence.

"This will be my seventieth new year. There are always good times and bad times, but I think good times are coming," said Gary Levitt of Delray Beach.

Hopes for a new year, one cheerful crowd, and one snowflake at a time.

"Look around tonight, there are all these youth and everyone is having a good time. I think that there is hope," said McKnight.

Fireworks went off at 9 p.m. and midnight as part of Delray's New Year's Eve celebration.