New Year’s Eve: Where to ring in the new year with fun
This past year of 2017 has been quite a wild one for the ages.
In our information-flooded age, sometimes it seems as if life never slows down and the cavalcade of headlines, sound bites, Tweets, scrolling Facebook statuses, 30-second YouTube videos and more make it nearly impossible to savor life at a more relaxed pace. But it happens more than you think is the view here.
And though tough, it’s important to look back on a year and separate all that happens outside of yourself from what happens in our own lives. Here’s hoping you’re able to reflect on a year lived well and look forward with renewed hope to what 2018 may bring.
Here in Texarkana, there are plenty of ways to wind down old 2017 and welcome 2018 with open arms and, perhaps, a freshly popped bottle of champagne or, for some, sparkling juice cocktail. Here’s a snapshot of just some of the options you have available, in addition to relaxing at home with friends and family:
Roaring Twenties Gatsby New Year’s Eve Party at the Collins Home for Weddings and Events— This benefit for the Open Hearts Food Pantry ($10 tickets) combines a few things that made the 1920s unique, including ’20s period attire, dancing, champagne and whatever fizzy drinks you’d like to bring. Proceeds support a new member project initiated by the Junior League of Texarkana.
Light Up the Night New Year’s Eve Affair at the Arkansas Convention Center—Local educational group The Scholars presents this event with entertainment provided by DJ Shelby Irving: all-white attire, photo booth, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, raffle drawing and discounted rates at the hotel. It’s 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with doors open at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person, $75 per couple, available at C&C Attitudes Hair Salon.
Park Place New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Jam Master D at Park Place Restaurant—Starts at 8 p.m. with a local deejay supplying the music, no cover, restaurant and bar both open.
New Year’s Eve Music Show at Maytag Opry—A music show at the new Ashdown, Ark., location for Maytag Opry with a large dance floor. The Maytag Opry Band will perform. No smoking, no alcohol. Tickets: $15 for this all-ages event; get reserved tickets in advance.
New Year’s Eve Party with Crooked Halo and Landry and Company at Scottie’s Grill—One of Texarkana’s most popular local acts takes the stage at Scottie’s Grill. Louisiana-based blues, country and rock trio Landry and Company also perform.
Blackout Edition at Club Primetime—Yung Smoody, Foolie Don and Kae with Sgt. B in the mix at the venue for this show preocal
sented by TBR Entertainment. Come dressed in black, security enforced. Doors open at 10 p.m., $10 before midnight.
Karaoke at The Arrow Bar—Karaoke, champagne at midnight and drink specials at the oldest bar in Texarkana.
Militia at the downtown Hopkins Icehouse—North Louisiana rock trio Militia performs at Hopkins Icehouse’s downtown location. Militia features Rusty White on guitar and lead vocals, Brian Flynn on bass and Jamie Dixon on drums and vocals.
Know it All Trivia and All Dance Music at Fat Jack’s Oyster and Sports Bar—Know It All Trivia starts at 8:30 p.m. with dance music following and a champagne toast at midnight for this New Year’s Eve celebration.
New Year’s Eve Chili Cook Off and Barn Dance at the Circle J Cowboy Church—A chili cook off and the Country Plus Band, formerly of the Oaklawn Opry, performing. Festivities start at 6 p.m. with the cook off.
Soul Session at Twin City Sports Bar—A Saturday night event featuring live music and hosted by Naquita Elmore with a special guest appearance by Keeta King of Majic 93.3. Performances by LeBryant Crew, Ashanti Harvey, Keith Gladney and Sara Joy. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are $10 before showtime, $20 afterwards.
Pre-New Year’s Eve Comedy Bash at BrightStar Theaters— Comedians Derrick Keener and Kelly “K Dubb” Walker are featured at this comedy show tonight. Tickets are $20 pre-sale available at Miracle’s Closet and Texarkana Radio Center, $30 at the door. Starts at 8 p.m., BYOB.