When the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, places all over the Okanagan will be popping bottles, except at the Mule.
“Everyone will get a toothpick on the way in and when those balloons fall it will sound like a popcorn machine,” said Mule owner Steve Parker.
The entrance for 2014 will mark the second annual Make It Rain New Year’s Eve part at the Mule where they will drop $1,000 in $1 US bills from the ceiling at midnight.
“We have 1,000 balloons and it is quite a site to see. At midnight we pull the netting and all the balloons fall and everyone pops as many as they can,” said Parker.
As well, the Mule will serve champagne at midnight and will hand everyone party favours as they come in the doors. Tickets for the Make It Rain New Year’s Eve event at the Mule are available for $5 at the Mule or Green Beanz Cafe in the daytime. Doors open at 9 p.m. and closing is 4 a.m.
The Penticton Lakeside Resort will also be hopping on New Year’s Eve with four separate events.
“Everyone in any of the venues receives a champagne toast, party favours and of course the fireworks,” said Brannigan Boyd, director of regional sales and marketing. “People are encouraged to book their room sooner than later if they want to take the elevator upstairs at the end of the evening to view the fireworks.”
At the Barking Parrot DJ Mike Omara will get the party started spinning tunes to get everyone going on the dance floor. Party favours and champagne will be served with a great view of the fireworks off the back deck at midnight. There is no cover.
In the Grand Ballroom they are serving a deluxe dinner buffet and live entertainment by Papa Wheely and DJ Tyrone. Tickets for the event are $54 per person and reservations can be made at 250-493-8221.
The Hooded Merganser will host a special evening of live music by Gord McLaren with a midnight champagne toast. Call 250-487-4663 to reserve.
Next door at the Bufflehead Pasta and Tapas Room they will be serving a special menu and have entertainment by DJ Billy Retro. Tickets are $50 a person and can be reserved by calling 250-493-9768.
Good food, good music and country dress is the theme at the Kaleden Community Hall for their New Year’s Eve community dance. Entertainment will be by Dale Seaman and Highway 97 who will bring their rock and roll country brand of music. Doors open at 8 p.m. with the dance running from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be door prizes, spot dances, table snacks catered by Kaleden Family Restaurant, refreshments and a cash bar. This is a Safe Ride Home event. Tickets are $18.
Expect an evening of great live music at Voodoos who will be hosting multiple local live bands all night long.
They are featuring hourly giveaways and party favours at the door. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
If you are looking for something a little more intimate, the Barley Mill Brew Pub is hosting a candle lit event with a four-course dinner for $35 per person. Live music will be by Brian Highley starting at 8:30 p.m. Reservations recommended by calling 250-493-8000.
Getting around town
B.C. Transit encourages everyone to make the safe and smart choice to ride transit on New Year’s Eve.
The choice is easier than ever with free rides on New Year’s Eve. From 6:50 p.m. onwards, the B.C. Transit bus service will run free of charge to riders.
A second bus will be put on the schedule and run until about 3 a.m. The Night Route will see extended hours and a Party Loop will be added to service the malls, downtown Penticton, both lakes and the community centre. For more information about the Penticton transit system visit www.bctransit.com.