LIVERPOOL -- Onondaga County and Galaxy Communications are teaming up to bring new changes to this year's Lights on the Lake. County leaders say the new public-private partnership will "allow for the continuation and growth of an already successful program."

During the six weeks of Lights on the Lake, Onondaga County employees will still maintain daily operations at Onondaga Lake Park, but in the future, Galaxy Communications will assume full responsibility for new initiatives, sponsorship and marketing activities.

"I am thrilled to begin this partnership with Galaxy Communications," said County Executive Joanie Mahoney. "Lights on the Lake has always been a fun community event, and I know with Galaxy's involvement, it will be an even more successful program that community residents and visitors to Onondaga County can all enjoy."

This is the latest venture for Galaxy, which is already involved in Taste of Syracuse. "The most obvious enhancement for this year will be the creation of First Night CNY at Lights on the Lake," said Galaxy President and CEO Ed Levine. The event will feature a family-friendly New Year's Eve party along with a chance to walk through Lights on the Lake. It will include live outdoor music and a performance from National Recording Artist Sean Kingston and the reunion of local legend, the Todd Hobin Band.

At 11:59, former SU basketball player Gerry McNamara will push the button to activate the decent of an illuminated giant orange. At the stroke of midnight, an extravagant fireworks display over Onondaga Lake will usher in 2011.

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