The nation?s struggling economy has taken a toll on Westchester, forcing county officials to cancel an annual New Year?s Eve celebration.

For the first time in nearly two decades, Westchester County Center?s annual ?Say ?Happy New Year? Party? won?t take place. The party started as a way for singles to meet on New Year?s Eve, but evolved over the years into a family-oriented, alcohol-free celebration. At the height of its popularity, about 2,500 people attended the party.

However, in 2007, only about 800 people were willing to pay the $15-20 admission. According to Deputy County Parks Commissioner Kathleen O?Connor, the party costs about $6,000 each year. The expense of the party combined with the lower attendance and troubled economy led to county officials pulling the plug.

Residents have mixed reactions about the party?s cancellation. ?There?ll be no place for a lot of people to go to decide not to drink and enjoy being sociable,? Priscilla Waller, a Mount Vernon resident, says.

Gary Novak agrees. ?I don?t see why they shouldn?t be doing it,? he says. ?I mean, if it?s helping out the county, then they should be doing it, absolutely.?

Others don?t think canceling the party will make much of a difference. ?I think people are going to do what they normally do,? Bill Free, a Yorktown resident, says. ?I don?t think it?s going to really affect anyone.?

For people who are still looking for something to do on the holiday, there will be a ball drop and celebration in White Plains. Thousands are expected to attend?another reason why attendance at the County Center?s party may have dropped.

The ball drop celebration was also in danger of being scaled back, but contributions from local businesses ensured the party will go on as planned.

Struggling economy affecting local New Year?s parties