Plenty of choices to celebrate the new year

The Christmas tree may still be the center of attention with it's brightly wrapped gifts, but it's still high time to decide where you want to be next week when it's time to throw the New Year's confetti.

Carson City and vicinity have numerous ways to celebrate with something for everyone.

Carson City

• Early birds may want to head to New York, or the next best thing: The State Library and Archives will celebrate New Year's eve on New York time with the Ring in the New Year Big Apple Style from 6-9 p.m. The event at the archives building at 100 N. Stewart St. will be hosted by Mayor Bob and Susan Crowell, with funds going toward plans for the new downtown library.

"This is the second year we've done a New York-style event for people who don't want to be out until midnight," said Phyllis Patton, chairman of the board of trustees for the library.

The Library and Archives will be decorated in the style of Tavern on the Green in New York with lots of twinkling lights. A live feed of the New York fun is planned along with a balloon drop at midnight New York time, 9 p.m. Carson time.

There is no dress code, but last year most of those attending found it a good excuse to dress up, Patton said.

Along with an abundance of heavy appetizers, the event will feature silent and live auctions with such items as an experience Carson City package, various sports packages, pampering items, and an international dining package.

Tickets for Ring in the New Year Big Apple style are $50, with limited seating. For locations to buy tickets, go to foundationcc

library.org or call 885-9807.

• The Brewery Arts Center is throwing a New Year's Eve party for the "dynamically young" (those 21 and older). Dusty's Revival New Year's Eve party features live music with Destrukt, Asuka and Summer's Dispute - some punk, pop, a bit of hardcore - plus prizes, libations and party favors at midnight.

"This is a new thing for BAC," said Kevin Bunch, technical director for the Brewery Arts Center. "It's a good event for the BAC to show off its set up and what we can do for special events.

"It should be a lot of fun, with good entertainment, but not Reno prices."

The BAC Dusty's Revival party will be 8 p.m.-1 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom at 449 W. King St. Cover charge is $5.

• Families should check out the Contra Dance New Year's Eve Ball, from 8 p.m.-just after midnight at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St., Carson City. The Fun Family Dance! Contra Dance hosts several dances during the year with New Year's being one of the biggest.

Train Wreck will provide live music and Tom Thoreau is the caller - he teaches the dances first then calls the steps. The Contra Dance New Year's Eve Ball includes traditional American dances and music, with some waltz, ballroom and Irish dance thrown into the mix to celebrate.

Refreshments are provided throughout the evening. A midnight toast features champagne or sparkling cider, but the dance is otherwise alcohol free. Cost is $25 adults, $15 ages 16-25, and $8 for children and family price of $60. Discounts are available with advanced purchases at http://ffd.raincloud

pub.com/newyears.shtml. Call 775-997-4937 for more information.

That's just the beginning of what's available to celebrate. Also consider these venues:

• Bodines: Random drawings all day. Free champagne toast at midnight.

• Casino Fandango: $10,000 New Year's Eve Party with music by Hindsight.

• Carson Station: Live music with Steppen Stonz, 8 p.m. -1:30 a.m. $3,000 cash and free play giveaways; Complimentary mimosa fountain in the Station restaurant from 7-11 a.m. plus drink and menu specials throughout the casino.

• Gold Dust West: Grand Finale 8 p.m.-midnight. Rock'n and Bowl'n from 6 p.m. Drawings 8 p.m.-Midnight.

• Firkin New Year's Eve Party at Firkin & Fox, 310 S. Carson St. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. with national and blues star John Nemeth. Free champagne toast at midnight. Four-course meal available for $19.95.

Carson Valley

• Genoa Bar Unplugged Party, 8 -midnight, Genoa Bar and Saloon, 2282 Main St. Transport back in time to the way New Year's was celebrated 150 years ago. No electric lights, no slots, no juke box. Live music by Foothill Road Band Unplugged with complimentary champagne toast, party favors and no cover charge. Visit genoabarandsaloon

.com or call 782-3870.

• The town of Genoa will ring in the New Year with a celebration at the Genoa Town Hall 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. The event, organized by the recreation event committee, costs $25 and includes two drinks, party favors, and heavy appetizers along with some food from the 1800s. Ron Benedetti, owner of the Genoa Country Store, will cater the event. Entertainment provided by Time Warp DJ Chuck Baldauskas. Suggested attire for the evening is formal or Genoa historic costume. Reservations and payment must be made by Dec. 28 by calling the Genoa town office at 782-8696.

• At Carson Valley Inn, Shake, Rattle 'n' Roll will appear in the Cabaret Lounge, while year-end food specials can be found throughout the restaurants and bars. The last three days of 2009, CVI will give away $10,000 in cash to Lucky Seat winners. CVI is located on Highway 395 in Minden. Call 775-782-97 or go to www.cvinn.com.

Virginia City

• The Washoe Club celebrates from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at 112 S. C St., Virginia City. Music by the Rustlers at 9 p.m. Champagne and party favors at midnight. $10 cover. 847-7210.

• Ring in the New Year at the Gold Hill Hotel, 5 p.m.-midnight, 1540 Main St. Celebrate with dinner plus Will Sheree Rose and the Red Rose Band and Squeek at the Piano. Dinner served 5-10 ; band starts at 9 p.m.; champagne toast at midnight. $95. Reservations are required. Call 847-0111.