From an old-fashioned, no-electricity celebration with acoustic music to rounds of double Monte Carlo bowling - there's a lot to choose from for your New Year's party this year. Here's the lowdown on some of the hot festivities:
n Genoa Bar will take a step back in time as it celebrates. Employees will turn off the power to "Nevada's oldest thirst parlor" for merrymaking with no electric lights, no juke box, no ringing slot machines.
They'll light old-fashioned oil lamps, fire up the wood stove, and dance to hand-crafted acoustic music - just like they did at the Genoa Bar 100 years ago.
Musicians will include violinists Cecilia and Danny Yale and banjo player Georgette Twin. The music will start at 8 p.m., and there will be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. There is never a cover charge. Call 782-3870.
n You can either bowl in the new year or laugh it in at the Pinon Plaza. Ian Jensen will host a stand-up comedy night with Bob Johnston, Kaye Frazier and Johnny Heard. The humor starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the gift shop or $12 at the door.
The bowling party is 7:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. The Plaza will offer bowling in the dark, nine pin and no tap (meaning if you leave one pin, it still counts as a strike), raffle prizes, an appetizer buffet and a free drink. Tickets are $45 individual or $85 per couple.
The Plaza will give away a DVD player, home stereo, barbecue, home theater and $500 cash from the gift shop. They'll also have free party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.
"We do that every year," said Casino hostess Lisa Bruce.
The band Steppenstonz will play in the Lizard Lounge. Call 885-9000.
n At one of Carson's newer establishments, Casino Fandango, you can swing in the new year dancing to the California Girls. This show will be the five-piece, all-woman band's first appearance in the greater Reno-Tahoe-Carson City casino circuit. Sandra Walker, Max Goodman, Barbara Leoni, Michelle Olsen and Tamara Ericson will play from 8 p.m. until about 1 a.m. Party favors will be distributed. Call 885-7000.
n Another event with an old-time flavor will be Darla Bayer's New Year's Eve contra dance from 8 p.m. until midnight at the Brewery Arts Center. Bayer and her husband, Chris, invite the whole family - "everybody from babies in backpacks to grandpa." The Pioneer Family dances, as they're called, are great exercise and great fun. The next one is Jan. 24. For tickets to the New Year's dance ($10 in advance; $12 at the door; kids $5), go online to www.nevadamusic.com or call 883-9351.
n At the Carson Nugget Casino, 507 N. Carson St., there will be a special New Year's gala in the main ballroom from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. The Motifs will provide the dance music with backup by Bill McClain's Mobile Music. A dinner buffet will include carved prime rib, salads, deserts and snack trays. Party hats and favors will be free, and there will be an open bar.
Free champagne will be served in a commemorative flute starting at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person. Reservations are required; call 882-1626, ext. 221.
Contact Karl Horeis at khoreis@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.