Countdown to 2007 Starts Early

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not typically ones to start the party early, or even start it at all. The church disapproves of drinking, smoking and other indulgences.

But this year in Utah, at least two cities will celebrate New Year’s Eve on New Year’s Eve Eve, eagerly embracing 2007 a full 24 hours before it actually arrives in order to appeal to Mormons.

The premature celebration does not reflect a new emphasis on revelry, church officials assure. It is simply that New Year’s Eve this year falls on a Sunday, the Sabbath, and the two cities, St. George and Provo, know that in a state with about 1.75 million Mormons, faith can trump Father Time when it comes to planning a party.

Read the entire article here.