Stores seeing New Year's Eve rush

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's not unusual for grocery stores to be crowded on Saturdays, but the pressure was especially on for those who will host on New Year's Eve.

Did you know this is the most popular time of the year to serve seafood? West Springfield's Big Y store director Mike Messer told 22News, shrimp and lobster prices are down right now, but he said there's more to its popularity than just price.

“I asked people how come, what is it about seafood, and they told me some of it is rooted in tradition from Europe,” said Messer. “Some of it is religious traditions; they wouldn’t eat meat on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.”

Many of the shoppers lining up at the seafood counter and elsewhere in the store will be hosting a New Year's Eve get together and they're determined to do right by their guests.

Lori Ann Plumacor of Agawam didn't hit the checkout counter until she was certain her party menu left nothing to be desired.

Plumacor said, “We do potato skins, mozzarella sticks, kielbasa, soda, wine, beer.”

And what will you serve your guests New Year's Eve? Some people we spoke with at the store were invited to a New Year’s Eve party. And they hope to impress their host by bringing just the right dessert.