[image-1]Tampa Bay celebrations big and small ring in the New Year. Probably the most all-encompassing and massive event this year is First Night in St. Petersburg. Spread across the parks and streets of the city’s downtown, it includes headliner Michael Lynche (pictured, right), an American Idol finalist who grew up in St. Pete, and fireworks over the bay at Spa Beach.
More splashy fun is in store at the Florida Aquarium for Aqua-Eve. The watery waterfront event allows you to take in views of downtown and Tampa Bay with a fireworks display over Channelside.
[image-2]Aquarium exhibits remain open, and a dance floor with live band warms up revelers for the big New Year’s countdown and Champagne toast at midnight. For more information and tickets to Aqua Eve, visit cltampa.com/newyears. For information about First Night, visit firstnightstpete.com/schedule.html.
Fri 31 Noon Year’s Eve The kids' party is hosted by the Lowry Park Zoo and Radio Disney AM 1380, and includes games, arts and crafts and live entertainment. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa, lowryparkzoo.com.
Sat 1 Sertoma Youth Ranch Acoustic New Year’s Hung over? Begin 2011 on a mellow note with a day filled with live acoustic music. For information, call 863-984-8445. Sertoma Youth Ranch is at 85 Myers Road, Brooksville, sertomayouthranch.com.
Sun 2 Elvis Birthday Bash Shake, rattle and roll with Elvis Presley tribute artists as they provide a nostalgic afternoon of entertainment and fun; includes cake and photo opportunity after the show. 2 p.m. Largo Cultural Center, $20-$25.
Happy New Year, everybody! Some of us will be whooping it up in big style, some in small and intimate gatherings with friends. However you pick your pleasure, please ring in 2011 with fun and safety in mind.
Check our comprehensive Auld Lang Syne listings online to find a party that suits you.
