Businesses, nonprofits benefit from party night
San Benito County may be far removed from the hundreds of New
Year’s Eve parties in the city, but there are plenty of ways to
celebrate closer to home for residents who don’t want to make the
trek to San Francisco.
Businesses, nonprofits benefit from party night
San Benito County may be far removed from the hundreds of New Year’s Eve parties in the city, but there are plenty of ways to celebrate closer to home for residents who don’t want to make the trek to San Francisco.
Parties are put on by local wineries, restaurants and nonprofit organizations so here are just a several of the offerings.
A family celebration
For those adults who want to take the kids along for New Year’s Eve they can stop by the Italian Catholic Federation Branch 26 party at Bolado Park Pavilion. Their party starts at 6 p.m. with hor d’ouevres and no host cocktails. A rib-eye steak dinner will be from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with music after dinner until midnight.
“When I was growing up, everything we did, we did as a family,” said Rose Ortiz, a member of the federation and one organizer of the party. “In the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s it seemed like everyone had to get a babysitter so the kids grew up with no social skills. They don’t know how to meet and greet, how to be in a big gathering.”
The event will feature a deejay for music and dancing, as well as games such as Twister and hula hoops to keep the kids occupied.
This year is the second year the group has hosted a party. Last year about 150 people showed up for the evening. This year they have a van that can shuttle people who don’t want to drive late at night, Ortiz said, especially older adults who prefer not to drive after dark.
“They can get a ride for a little donation of gas,” she said.
Tickets are $30 for those 13 and older and $15 for children 6 to 12. Children under 5 are free. Tickets can be purchased at Hollister Motorsports, Pennywise and Rose’s Hair Salon.
For more information, call 637-1295 or 207-0692.
Kids-only party time
And for parents who want a night without the kids, a local daycare is hosting an all-night party for children only. Nancy Jackson, of Nancy’s Daycare, has been caring for children for 10 years but this is the first year she and fellow licensed daycare providers decided to try out a New Year’s Eve sleepover.
“I just thought about it. My husband and I kick back,” she said. “But we know a lot of people that want to go out, but they don’t have someone they can trust [to watch the kids.]”
The party will include games for the kids, crafts and food.
“We will keep them very busy,” she said. “We’ve got musical chairs and karaoke.”
The staff can take 14 children for the night ages 4 years and up, and so far, they have a few of the children from their daycare signed up for the night.
“We will see how it works,” she said.
Drop off time is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 31 with a 7 a.m. pick up the following morning. To reserve a space or for more information, please call 638-1327 or 207-9001.
A laughing matter
One of the celebrations that promises to sell out is the Leal Vineyard Comedy Show and New Year’s Eve Party. Tickets were selling quickly in the weeks before the holidays so call for availability.
Doors will open at the Leal Barrel Room at 7 p.m. with a comedy show featuring Vic Dunlop and Danny Morris. The New Year’s Eve Party will follow from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. with live entertainment by Candy Jam, an R&B, blues and rock band. Tickets are $60 a person or $50 for wine club members. The cost includes the comedy show, party, hors d’oeuvre buffet and champagne toast.
For more information, call 636-1023.
Celebrate with Latin flair
San Benito’s chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens will be hosting their own New Year’s Eve party, a dance party with Tejano oldies, at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St. The event will raise money for the group’s scholarship fund. Johnny Hernandez and Cafecito’s Pueblo All Stars will provide entertainment and the menu includes Mexican food. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the dance will be from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door.
Tickets are available at the Hollister Drive In Market, Las Palmas, Righetti Liquors and other places around town. Please call 637-1342 for more information.
