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PLAINS TWP. — Partygoers came out to the Mohegan Sun Pocono a bit early on Saturday to celebrate the new year, not at midnight but at noon.

LuAnn Fetcho, vice president of marketing at Mohegan Sun Pocono, said the casino’s Noon Year’s Eve event opened up the day’s festivities, providing those who might prefer daytime celebrating with a chance to don party hats and use noisemakers while enjoying an early countdown on the gaming floor.

A champagne toast was also provided to guests.

Many, Fetcho said, were also looking forward to the conclusion of the day and the year at midnight in the grand ballroom.

John and Amanda Rosentel, of Hanover Township, attended the noon event so the couple could bring along their 10-month-old son, Grayson.

Although last year the couple celebrated at midnight, this year they will be ringing in the New Year at home.

The couple, who are looking forward to the birth of their second child in April, said this year seemed like the perfect chance to celebrate early, participating in the countdown and then enjoying a bite to eat.

Raisa Carmona, in from Miami visiting family, donned an elaborate purple hat she had purchased in New York City earlier in the week.

Carmona said the day provided an opportunity to be grateful for the year and for each day.

“Every day you open your eyes, God has given you another day. Go for it,” she said.

Attendees also enjoyed a variety of shops and eateries at the casino.

Eileen Tokach, of Plains Township, who was working at the Crossing Vineyards Wine & Cheese Shop, said New Year’s Eve is a busy day with many customers stopping in for a sampling of wine and cheese and a bit of conversation.

“It’s a pleasant environment. You can relax in a fun atmosphere,” she said.

Judy Cooper, of Laurel Run, is a regular at the casino and said she came out simply to try her luck on what she thought might be a lucky day.

As for soon-to-be big brother, Grayson Rosentel, smiling under a shiny green hat, all was good.

“He likes looking around,” John Rosentel said. “He’s pretty chill.”

Ten-month-old Grayson Rosentel, of Hanover Township, wears festive attire as he is held by his mother, Amanda, on New Year’s Eve at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Township.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_TTL010117NYEve_1-3.jpg.optimal.jpgTen-month-old Grayson Rosentel, of Hanover Township, wears festive attire as he is held by his mother, Amanda, on New Year’s Eve at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Township. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Mohegan Sun Pocono Players’ Club Manager Mindy Stevens puts out hats and noisemakers for New Year’s Eve on Saturday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_TTL010117NYEve_2-3.jpg.optimal.jpgMohegan Sun Pocono Players’ Club Manager Mindy Stevens puts out hats and noisemakers for New Year’s Eve on Saturday. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Melanie and Nick Costantino, both of Pittston, pick out New Year’s Eve supplies for the noon celebration at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Township on Saturday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_TTL010117NYEve_3-3.jpg.optimal.jpgMelanie and Nick Costantino, both of Pittston, pick out New Year’s Eve supplies for the noon celebration at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Township on Saturday. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Mohegan Sun Pocono servers Maria Zangardi, second from left, and Chrissy Cromer pour champagne for Veralyn Godula, of Old Forge, and another patron on New Year’s Eve.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_TTL010117NYEve_4-3.jpg.optimal.jpgMohegan Sun Pocono servers Maria Zangardi, second from left, and Chrissy Cromer pour champagne for Veralyn Godula, of Old Forge, and another patron on New Year’s Eve. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Gene Schulp, left, and Lori Scalzo, both of West Pittston, toast with their glasses of champagne after a countdown to noon on New Year’s Eve at the casino bar at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Township.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_TTL010117NYEve_5-3.jpg.optimal.jpgGene Schulp, left, and Lori Scalzo, both of West Pittston, toast with their glasses of champagne after a countdown to noon on New Year’s Eve at the casino bar at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Township. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

John Eustice, of Party Peeps, special events decorators in Shavertown shines up flower holders for a New Year’s Eve party at the Mohegan Sun Keystone Grand Ballroom on Saturday afternoon.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_TTL010117NYEve_6-3.jpg.optimal.jpgJohn Eustice, of Party Peeps, special events decorators in Shavertown shines up flower holders for a New Year’s Eve party at the Mohegan Sun Keystone Grand Ballroom on Saturday afternoon. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Hats and noisemakers are set on tables for a New Year’s Eve party at the Mohegan Sun Pocono Keystone Grand Ballroom on Saturday afternoon.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_TTL010117NYEve_7-3.jpg.optimal.jpgHats and noisemakers are set on tables for a New Year’s Eve party at the Mohegan Sun Pocono Keystone Grand Ballroom on Saturday afternoon. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

By Geri Gibbons

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Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons