Page 45 - Flathead Beacon // 12.24.14

FLATHEADBEACON.COM ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 45
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` opportuni- ties and challenges, and define what we want to see in our lives.
But before we get all serious about it, it’s im- portant to remember to celebrate the end of an- other 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.FlatheadE- vents.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.skiwhite-
fish.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 com- plementary Champagne to toast at midnight, party favors, an entertaining show from Levi- tation 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 Crag- gy 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 – in- cluding face painting, hat decorating, arts and crafts, and the First Night Commencement Pa- rade – 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 down- town, 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 cel- ebration starts at 11:45 p.m.
Entrance to First Night events requires a button, which are available for purchase throughout Kalispell. Visit www.FirstNight- Flathead.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 din- ner 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.brumares- tate.com or call 406-837-2231.
On New Year’s Day, head to the Raven Res- taurant 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.
[email protected]
Wishing you a
MERRY CHRISTMAS
by working locally to conserve soil, water, and other natural resources.
Wishing you
Happy Holidays
& a Prosperous New Year!
40 Four Mile Dr. Suite 7 • Kalispell • 751-3300
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Decades of experience, hundreds of local happy customers.
August is conservation month—a time to celebrate local conservation efforts across Montana.
On Haskill Creek, near Whitefish, the Flathead Conservation District has restored 1,200 feet of riverbank, with a mix of vegetated soil lifts, conifer and willow fascines, and riparian plantings.
Before
After
By addressing severe streambank erosion and instability along this stretch of Haskill Creek, we have
d sediment loading by 138 tons/year,
Call (406) 752-4220
or go to our website at www.flatheadcd.org
Local, common-sense conservation since 1945