It’s that time again, when we take a collective breath, fill our lungs with the last of 2014’s air, and exhale into a new year, knowing we have a fresh set of 12 months to set goals, face` opportunities and challenges, and define what we want to see in our lives.
But before we get all serious about it, it’s important to remember to celebrate the end of another year and beginning of a new one.
Thus, New Year’s Eve parties and events abound in the Flathead Valley. From Whitefish to Bigfork, businesses and groups will host get-togethers and shows to ring in 2015 with the proper amount of mirth and frivolity to shake off the dust from 2014.
You’ve got one last shot at celebrating in 2014 before this year is gone forever – how are you going to welcome 2015? Here’s a breakdown of some of the major events happening throughout the valley; be sure to check out www.FlatheadEvents.net for a complete list of all the happenings.
And from everyone at the Beacon to you: Happy New Year!
Whitefish
Whitefish Mountain Resort is an easy choice for celebrating the New Year. The ski hill hosts an annual rail jam to showcase skiers’ and snowboarders’ skills; a torchlight parade; and a fireworks show to light up the night.
The skiing and boarding show starts at about 5 p.m., with registration starting at 3 p.m. The torches come down the hill at 6:30, followed by fireworks and live music at Ed and Mully’s.
For more information, visit www.skiwhitefish.com or call 406-862-2910.
In downtown Whitefish, many of the bars and restaurants are hosting live music and parties on Dec. 31. Casey’s Bar is offering complementary Champagne to toast at midnight, party favors, an entertaining show from Levitation Nation’s silk aerialists, and Los Angeles DJ Lenny Ducano.
At the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, rock New Year’s Eve with Billy Angel and Fresh Ink. The New Wave Time Trippers will be partying like it’s 1985 at the Great Northern Bar, and the Craggy Range Bar and Grill is hosting a bash with the Flip Wilson and Jameson and the Sordid Seeds.
For something a little smoother, try jazz duo Erica Von Kleist and Dana Griffith at Tupelo Grille.
Kalispell
In Kalispell, First Night Flathead returns for its 16th year of celebrating the New Year in a family-friendly, musical, and entertaining style. Festivities begin with free family activities – including face painting, hat decorating, arts and crafts, and the First Night Commencement Parade – at Kalispell Center Mall and the Red Lion Fireside Lounge, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
After the kids’ events, more than 35 local bands will take to the stages throughout downtown, providing a wide variety of musical styles and opportunities for most types of dancing, if you’re looking to get down to a groove.
There are 12 venues in downtown Kalispell, with performances starting at 6:30 p.m. and lasting until 12:30 a.m. New this year is the Kickoff to Midnight performance set, starting at 6 p.m., at the Red Lion Fireside Lounge, where the annual favorite Countdown to Midnight celebration starts at 11:45 p.m.
Entrance to First Night events requires a button, which are available for purchase throughout Kalispell. Visit www.FirstNightFlathead.org for more information.
Also at the Red Lion Hotel, join up for a night of surf and turf dinner, live country music, and dancing at the third annual Upscale Hoedown New Year’s Eve Party. Tickets are $75.
Bigfork
BruMar Estate is hosting a casual dinner buffet on New Year’s Eve, with party favors, Champagne toasts, and dancing to live music from perennial favorite John Dunnigan. There’s no strict dress code, and tickets are $25. Party runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
For more information, visit www.brumarestate.com or call 406-837-2231.
On New Year’s Day, head to the Raven Restaurant and Bar in Woods Bay for the annual Polar Bear Plunge, during which participants willingly run into the icy waters of Flathead Lake at 2 p.m. on Jan. 1 to start the year off with a burst of adrenaline and cleansing waters. The chili feed starts at 11 a.m.
For more information, call 406-837-2836.