The traditional onion will drop on New Year’s Eve in St George’s, after narrowly missing being chopped due to financial struggles in the Old Town.Many area residents were upset after St George’s deputy mayor Garth Rothwell announced that the annual celebration wouldn’t go ahead this year and vowed to do something about it.“The community and businesses got together and decided that they would go ahead and put it together,” said one St George's businesswoman who did not wish to be named. “We pulled together and raised more than $16,000 for the event. We also received some assistance from the Corporation of St George’s.”Without regular cruise ship visits, many East End businesses have struggled financially in recent months, St George's mayor Kenny Bascome said.“This year [the onion drop] was almost cancelled due to the fact that the Corporation of St George’s was not in the position to fund something like this.“My understanding is that they have put a lot of energy into getting people to sponsor the event. They deserve a lot of credit.”New Year’s Eve in the Old Town will now take on an artistic vibe.Water Street is to become an evolving gallery as photographers project images of their work onto some of Bermuda’s oldest buildings.“St George's is becoming more and more of an artistic and cultural focal point with new galleries and boutique businesses having opened in the past 12 months,” the businesswoman continued.“Regular art events have become increasingly popular bringing locals and visitors by the hundreds.”There will be events for all ages on King’s Square and Ordnance Island on the night.A children’s area, complete with bouncy castles, face painting and a mechanical bull ride, will be set up for younger revellers from 7pm onwards.There will also be dancing on the square with Working Title Band, featuring Lamont Robinson and The Reality Sound System beginning at 9pm.Fire Eaters will mark the approach to midnight and bagpiper David Frith will pipe in the New Year complete with the onion drop. A 15-minute laser light show will mark the start of 2012.Mr Bascome said he loved the New Year’s Eve festivities in St George's.“If St George's didn’t have a New Year’s celebration, I would stay home,” said Mr Bascome. “My favourite part is just living in this community of St George’s. It is my favourite part of being alive.”