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No reason for boredom coming up New Year's events fit many tastes

by Devin Weeks Staff Writer
| December 29, 2018 12:00 AM

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The ball drops in Rathdrum to ring in 2018 last New Year's Eve. The city of Rathdrum is again hosting a family-friendly New Year's Eve party on Main Street. Plenty of other North Idaho celebrations are happening today through the new year. (Courtesy photo)

The time for sock hoppin', ball droppin' and champagne poppin' is quickly approaching as the world prepares to give 2018 the boot.

North Idaho has an exciting array of New Year's celebrations from which to choose, starting with family-oriented Noon Year's Eve sock hops and balloon drops at 11 a.m. today at the Hayden Library, 8385 N. Government Way, and at 11 a.m. Monday at the Spirit Lake Library, 32575 N. Fifth Ave. Children ages 2 to 8 are encouraged to dress up in their silliest socks to enjoy dancing, snacks, crafts and more.

"It gives kids a chance to participate in the tradition of counting down to midnight in a way that is easy on them and easy on their families," said Mandi Harris, youth services specialist for the Hayden Library. "It's a way for the whole family to engage in the traditions of New Year's Eve a few days early and long before bedtime."

On Monday, the city of Rathdrum is hosting a free, family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration from 7 to 9 p.m. on Main Street. The event, in its second year, will include kids games and crafts in City Hall, hot chocolate, fire pits, music, raffle prizes, free noise makers, party favors, New Year's hats and sparkling cider for toasting. The ball will drop at 9 p.m.

"Since we are dropping the ball at 9, I guess you could say we do it 'New York' or 'East Coast' style," said Rathdrum Parks and Recreation director Eric Singer. "We do this so it’s early enough that the entire family can come down and ring in the new year together. It’s a fun and safe way for everyone to celebrate New Year’s Eve."

The Coeur d'Alene Resort is hosting one of the largest gatherings in the region. The New Year's Eve: Diamond Soirée opens at 6 p.m. and will include a grand dinner buffet, live entertainment, costume and photo contests, prizes and a champagne toast. Kids are welcome until 9 p.m. The after-party featuring DJ Epic Vibe and the Sara Brown Band will continue to 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $79 in advance or $100 at the door. Kids ages 6 to 12 are $25. For those who are only interested in the entertainment and champagne toast, tickets are $25 at the door.

The Resort is also offering A New Year's Family Cruise at 8 p.m. for $24.50, a 21-and-up New Year's Eve Party Cruise at 9:30 p.m. for $30, and a New Year's Eve Dessert Cruise at 10:30 p.m. that is free for kids 2 and younger, $30.50 for kids 3 to 12, $38.50 for seniors 55 and older and $40.50 for other adults.

Fireworks will explode over the lake at 9 p.m. and midnight. Visit www.cdaresort.com/discover/activities/new_years for info.

For those who seek a quieter, alcohol-free function, the Calypsos Alternative New Year Party at Calypsos Coffee and Creamery will welcome guests to relax and ring in the year with books, laptops and board games. Calypsos, 116 E. Lakeside Ave., will be open until 1 a.m. on New Year's Eve.

Several other North Idaho establishments will be entertaining the 21-and-older masses as calendars change to 2019.

The Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway Ave., will begin its New Year's Eve festivities at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 per guest and include party favors, complimentary parking and live entertainment. A pre-party will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in Mulligan's Sports Bar. Tickets can be purchased at www.cdainn.com or by calling 208-765-3200.

Guests will be dancing through midnight to the music of DJ Jilly.fm in the Honey Eatery and Social Club at 317 E. Sherman Ave. in Coeur d'Alene. For a $10 cover, revelers will enjoy the music, a glass of sparkling wine for a toast, and food and drink specials all night. This party is 21 and older after 8 p.m.

Corby's Bar at 2828 W. Seltice Way in Post Falls is having a 1990s throwback New Year's Eve Party, complete with costume contests and prizes.

The Hogfish Bar at 1920 E. Sherman Ave. in Coeur d'Alene will have a rockin' New Year's Eve with performances by Jacob Vanknowe and Twelve Gauge Saints.

The True 1210 Tavern, 1210 Sherman Ave., will host the Black Jack band for a special celebration beginning at 8:30 p.m., which will also be a retirement party for the band's steel guitar player, Wynn Davis.

The Coeur d'Alene Eagles at 209 Sherman Ave. will have two parties, the first beginning at 5:30 p.m. The parties are $20 each or $35 for both. Guests will enjoy live music, appetizers, party favors and champagne toasts at 9 p.m. and midnight.

Other locations are sure to have party hats and noisemakers as friends and patrons celebrate the occasion.

Wherever you go out (or stay in), have a happy and safe New Year's Eve!