Fire and ice wasn’t the theme of this year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display in downtown Mount Clemens.

But those two elements were certainly at play on Tuesday night and early Wednesday.

A much smaller — but still spirited — crowd than normal enjoyed the fireworks show that bid farewell to 2024 and welcomed in 2025. More took in the spectacle from various vantage points around the city.

Mayor Laura Kropp apologized for the sleet and rainy conditions, joking that she had ordered better weather. She also thanked those who braved the elements and drank a toast to the upcoming 12 months and the momentum the city has created.

“We are not going to focus all of our energy on the old,” Kropp said in 32-degree weather from the entertainment stage. “We’re not going to fight the old of 2024. Instead, we are going to build on the new of 2025. Cheers to that and all of the exciting things in downtown Mount Clemens.”

Many of the city’s collection of bars and restaurants had strong attendance for much of the night despite the weather and New Year’s Eve taking place on a Tuesday night.

“The show must go on,” said Michelle Weiss of the city’s Downtown Development Authority.

Still, those that turned out for the Mount Clemens New Year’s Eve Gala said they enjoyed themselves. Charan Kanuri and his girlfriend Sai Haridas came all the way from Farmington Hills to soak up the atmosphere.

“We came out here last year for the fireworks and liked it so much, we decided to come back again,” Kanuri said. “We started our relationship last year.”

Haridas added: “It’s our second time here.”

One of the crowd favorites was Alli Spins, a Detroit-based circus artist who performed with fire on Main Street. She also dances with hula hoops, LED lights and more, and is affiliated with Looking Glass Studio on Eight Mile Road and Panama Avenue in Warren. The mayor also named Tatt Ma’am Tattoos as the winner of the city’s holiday-decorated businesses competition.

Owner Danielle Trump of Clinton Township said she was on “cloud nine” after being named the best decorated for her tattoo parlor on Cherry Street. She will receive a free ice sculpture at the city’s upcoming ice festival.

“To be part of the Mount Clemens community has been a dream for me for 10-plus years,” said Trump, who was accompanied by her mother/manager Cathie Wlodek to the stage. “Now to finally be here, I’m so overwhelmed by everyone.”

Earlier in the evening, 500 youngsters were part of the New Year’s Eve Kid’s Night at the Discovery Center of Macomb, a four-hour event leading up to ball drop decorated with LED lights will fall from the top of a 50-foot wrecker, followed by a mini-fireworks show.

Kids found a variety of activities, including crafts, archery, and free popcorn at the Discovery Center.