New Year’s Eve: News of the Week – Edition 4
As we get closer to New Year’s Eve, there’s more and more news about parties, events and special deals. Remember to buy tickets early though as many promoters increase prices as it gets closer to the date. There’s no reason to wait until the last minute! Here’s what’s been on our radar this week:
Last-minute New Year’s Eve getaways not far from NYC [Daily News]
Crowded bars, pricey reservations and no cabs in sight – it’s no wonder New Yorkers are a little wary of New Year’s Eve. Don’t fret: As the tourists pour in to Times Square, you could be leaving city limits for a cozy winter getaway where the Champagne is flowing – and you don’t even have to clean up the party in the morning. Here are some New Year’s getaway packages with reservations still available (for now), all within a day’s drive of the city.
Long Beach, CA may ring in new year with Pine party [Contra Costa Times]
The New Year’s Eve street bash that once brought thousands to Pine Avenue may be returning in time for the 2009 countdown. Smooth’s Sports Grille owner John Morris is planning to close the downtown main street from Broadway to First Street to bring back the holiday block party. The bash – presented in conjunction with restaurateurs, the city, the Downtown Long Beach Associates and the Long Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau – would feature live music, a disc jockey and special menu packages by restaurants there. He is also hoping the Queen Mary would move its fireworks display to the base of Pine so it could be viewed from the block party.
Julie Andrews Will Host Annual PBS New Year’s Day Concert [Broadway World]
Julie Andrews will be the host of the Annual New Year’s Day concert on PBS. The show will feature the Vienna Philharmonic. Academy Award winner Andrews is following in the host-footsteps of Walter Cronkite. Cronkite hosted the Annual New Year’s Day concert for over two decades.
Mobile, Alabama to Ring in New Year With World’s Largest Moon Pie [Fox News]
This one’s a little different… Partygoers at the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration will dine on the world’s largest Moon Pie, courtesy of the Chattanooga, Tenn., bakery that’s been making the treats since 1917. The dimensions were not immediately available, though company officials have talked in the past about making a 60-pound, 4-foot-diameter pie for the city.
Duracell Invites Consumers to Power the New Year at the Duracell Power Lodge in New York City’s Times Square [Market Watch]
For the first time ever, people can honestly say they helped power the New Year. Visitors to the Duracell Power Lodge in Times Square will have the opportunity to “put the pedal to the metal” and create the energy that will be used to fill batteries and power the iconic numerals 2-0-0-9 that light up as the New Year’s Ball drops and the clock strikes midnight. To capture the energy needed to illuminate “2009,” Duracell is inviting guests to the Duracell Power Lodge at the Charmin Restrooms in Times Square to hop on a snowmobike to generate power.
