Staff Writer

Jan. 3, 2000 10 PM

Troy residents said goodbye to 1999 and the 20th century in a big way this past weekend at the City of Troy’s Year 2000 Millennium Celebration.

The city’s celebration committee has declared its year-end event a success, according to Entertainment Chairman Ron Pierce.

"It went extremely well, and I think everyone had a good time," Pierce said.

About 1,200 Pike Countians attended the night of family fun, which was held on the downtown square Friday, he said.

Troy Mayor Jimmy C. Lunsford said the Year 2000 Millennium Celebration drew its largest crowd, which was composed mostly of adults, around 11 p.m.

"A lot of people came, enjoyed it and went home," Lunsford said.

Although organizers were pleased with the attendance, they were disappointed that one of the headlining activities, The Reactor Thrill Ride, broke during set up.

"A computer chip blew, so we didn’t get to have it," Pierce said. "I think the kids would have really enjoyed that and were looking forward to it."

The committee will not have to pay for The Reactor since it was not operational, he added.

The two other headliners – Great American Video Dance Party and Fun Flicks – were a big hit with the crowd.

The video dance party recreated a dance club atmosphere on the square complete with a disc jockey and mirror balls, Pierce said. Fun Flicks, an interactive video show, allowed participants to take home a video tape of their New Year’s Eve experience.

There was even a video countdown to New Year’s Day.

"The interactive video was a tremendous hit," Lunsford said. "It was nice to see people dancing in the streets of downtown Troy.

"A lot of people had a lot of fun."

It seems The Reactor Thrill Ride that failed to work was the only computer glitch experienced by Troy during the change from 1999 to 2000.

"We experienced no problems of any kind with the city’s water and electric systems," Lunsford said. "It was a smooth transition, and there was no vandalism reported."

The mayor said he "hated to have so many people working over the holiday but wanted to be prepared."

He thanked all the city employees who worked this weekend, including members of the utilities, public works, police and fire departments.

Pierce said city officials also appreciate the work of the Year 2000 Millennium Celebration Committee members.

"A lot of people did a lot of hard work, and we thank them for putting it all together," he said.

Now the committee is looking ahead to the city’s final Millennium Celebration May 6.

It will include the grand opening of the renovated Troy Municipal Complex in downtown and is in the planning stages, Pierce said.