Tempe set to ring in the new year on Mill Avenue

TEMPE, AZ - Tempe's New Years Eve party will be a little smaller this year, but that shouldn't stop a few thousand people from ringing in the holiday along Mill Avenue.

By late afternoon a couple of side streets were blocked off for the crowds, and stages were set up for the bands waiting in the wings.

This years party will be smaller than years past mainly because the Fiesta Bowl group isn't sponsoring it this year.  A loss of about $250,000.  That's a lot of confetti.

But this city knows how to throw a party and the party crowd is ready for 2013.  

"The Holiday doesn't mean much to me, but its still one of my favorites because people are having a good time" said Saumya Banker.

The fun kicked off at 6pm with bands, food, games and fireworks at 9pm and again at midnight.  

City officials are suggesting you not drive down here but rather take public transportation or a cab.