There’s a party going on right here

It’s the final year before the fin de siecle, and there are a myriad of ways to ring in the new in and around town.

If you’re hitting the slopes on New Year’s Eve, you may want to après ski at River Run Lodge where you’ll hear Alan Pennay and Jeff Rew from 2-5 p.m.

That should give you just enough time to make a dinner reservation at any of the fine dining establishments that have put together an end-of-year feast.

Scott Mason at Ketchum Grill will make sure there is plenty of caviar and fois gras available on the big night and of course an ample supply of champagne. For later seatings, reservations for 8:30 p.m. or later, he will create a fabulous six-course meal. But for his patrons who are not inclined to spend a lot on New Year’s Eve, they will be able to order what they like from the regular menu.

Rex Chandler is ordering his caviar as this is being written. At Chandler’s you’ll have your choice of fresh ahi or Maine lobster on New Year’s Eve with a champagne toast and party favors.

For dancing the night away try the Roosevelt Tavern where Amber Marie & Company plans on rocking and rolling through the night.

Just down the street at nexStage Theatre, the third annual New Year’s Eve Meltdown brought to you by Facedown Productions will feature music by Blue Jack an eight-piece rock, rhythm and blues band that will tear it up.

These are two parties for the price of one, with advance purchase tickets going for $40 available at Video Depot in Hailey or Ketchum. If you wait, it’s $50 at the door.

While you’re on the "Street of Dreams" check out Whiskey’s New Year'’ celebration with Soul Purpose putting on the music. There will be door prizes, favors and champagne for $45.

At Sun Valley Inn’s Limelight Room the Sun Valley Carolers become the Sunburst Singers and perform 1940s favorites with a big band orchestra. Doors open at 8 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar with a sit-down, four-course meal a half hour later. Included in the $85 per adult and $50 per child cost is a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and dancing.

In the Lodge Dining Room, there’s a five-course sit down dinner which includes a bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne, hor d’oeuvres and cocktails. The cost per person is $170 and includes party favors and dancing all evening to the Sun Valley Trio.

Comedian Mike Murphy will be playing the Boiler Room in Sun Valley starting at 10 p.m. for $30 per person.

For something a bit more rustic, Galena Lodge will have a Full Moon Dinner. For details, call 726-4010.

Down Hailey way at the Grange Hall (Just turn off the highway at Valley Car Wash opposite Sawtooth Motors and go two blocks) you can have a great night Contra Dancing and enjoying desserts, hor d’oeuvres and beverages. Bring your own and enough to share. Music, bluegrass and hammered dulcimer is by the Wood River String Band and caller extraordinare David Quinley will move you along the simple steps in a variety of combinations. Admission is $5. Details: 788-2836.

Starting at 9 p.m., the Hailey Hotel presents the Shadow Casters featuring Patti Parsons and Stiff Cody. There’s no cover for the fun and they’ll be serving free champagne at midnight.

The Silver Dollar on Main Street in Bellevue has live music from Ovio and what Sissy calls "all the fun stuff" like hats and noisemakers.

Teens can have a night out, allbeit locked up, at the Teen Blast New Year’s Eve Party sponsored by Calgary Bible Church, Bellevue Community Church, and Larkin Community Church. Teens must be seventh-grade or older and arrive at the Calgary Bible Church no later than 9 p.m. Admission is one chili item and there will be a mystery movie, games, prizes, skits and fantastic food. Details: 788-9174.

During the day and also for kids, PAL is hosting a full day of skiing and lessons, for free, at Solider Mountain. Lift tickets, lunch, instruction, everything is included. Space is limited, so sign up at PAL’s middle school office or call 788-7080 (outside the valley: 800-984-3273).

If you feel like getting out of town, there’s country music favorite Ronnie Milsap at Cactus Pete’s in Jackpot, Nev. Tickets are $30, $35 and $40 and the show starts at 8 or 11 p.m.