We know, there’s still 10 days till Christmas, but as you are more than aware of, we’re in the business of planning.
So despite the fact that the biggest holiday in December is more than a week away, it’s time to start thinking about plans for the final day of 2015.
Yes, we’re talking about New Year’s Eve and have we got an idea for you. If you can think back to Dec. 31, 2014, (and we know that’s not easy) Concord 250 and the Concord Family YMCA partnered to ring in Concord’s year-long celebration of 250 years with the Cheers to 250 Years! New Year’s Eve Gala. And what better way to cap off the milestone year than with another bash to close the book on Concord’s first 250 years and start the countdown for the next 2½ centuries?
“It was intended to be bookend events,” said Kim Murdoch, project manager for Concord 250.
Cheers to the Next 250 Years! NYE Gala will be held, as you’ve probably figured out by now, on Dec. 31 in the Grand Ballroom at the Grappone Conference Center.
The evening of celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. and will go all the way until 12:30 a.m. in the year 2016. It kinda has to stretch into the next calendar since the whole reason for the gala is to celebrate the end of one year and the start of another. And the whole ending of Concord 250 thing.
“We want to really do it up for those last moments of Concord 250,” Murdoch said.
The cost for the evening is $75 per person and while you might first balk at the ticket price, let us tell you what’s included for a Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Jackson and Abe Lincoln – unless there’s a $75 bill out there that we just don’t know about.
There will be a buffet dinner from 8:15 to 9:45 p.m. with what Murdoch described as “very full with lots of options.” Sure it’s a little bit past your typical early bird special time, but it’s New Year’s Eve, why not live a little?
Immediately after dinner, the candy and dessert bar opens with an array of sweets that you should take advantage of – especially if the whole diet thing is part of your New Year’s resolution.
The Freese Brothers Big Band Combo will welcome guests to the party, as they rock the stage with their big band music from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. And then it’s DJ Nazzy time. Not only will the local legend be MCing the event all night long, but will run the music selection from 9:30 p.m. till the end of the party.
“He’ll keep people dancing through the last hours of 2015 and the first moments of 2016,” Murdoch said.
There’s a champagne toast included and a photo booth with props to make a one-of-a-kind keepsake. The Concord 250 pop up exhibit will also be on display.
“We’ll have some new and returning Concord artifacts,” Murdoch said.
But we must tell you, if one little glass of champagne isn’t enough to get you through the night, there will be a cash bar, so don’t leave those wallets at home just ’cause you already paid the price of admission.
“That’s the only thing you’ll have to pay for,” she said.
And if you’re feeling adventurous why not take a chance to earn a prize. There will be a costume contest for those wearing appropriate attire from the 1920s, ’50s, ’70s, ’80s, along with fashion from today and the future.
“We had some really fantastic attire last year,” Murdoch said. “So the New Year’s Eve Gala committee selected those time periods cause they have strong historical value.”
Now if you worried about finding a baby sitter for the little ones, Flipz Gymnastics has got you covered. They will be holding what amounts to a New Year’s Eve party/sleepover for the younger crowd. Children ages 6 and older may stay over, while those ages 4 to 5 are just able to enjoy an evening of fun. Children may be dropped off starting at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 and picked up (if they’re sleeping over) by 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
There will be open gym playtime using the gymnastics equipment, along with group games and organized play. They will stay up till midnight to watch the ball drop.
Cost is $40 per child and $65 per family. For more info or to register, call Flipz at 224-3223
And if you don’t feel like driving home, there are special rates available at the Courtyard Concord Marriott.
Last year’s event sold out before the big day, so don’t delay.
“We encourage people to get their tickets before Christmas,” Murdoch said. “Don’t wait till the last minute.”
For more info or to purchase tickets, visit concordymca.org/nyegala or call 228-9622.
