New Year’s Eve is going to be a celebration to remember in St. Paul, Elk Point and St. Lina this year as each of these communities will be holding events to bring in 2011 with a bang.
After the Elk Point Oilmen’s Association’s big buck contest at the Elk Point Allied Arts and Leisure Centre, doors will close for a few hours to clean up and then to begin the New Year’s Eve festivities at 8 p.m.
People will be able to dance to a variety of tunes played by a DJ and will get a chance to refuel with a hot lunch at 11 p.m. before midnight. There is a door prize and a 50/50 draw.
Last year’s event attracted 250 people, but Réal Fontaine said he is expecting even more people this year as “the word got out.
“It is just a good time - it was last year anyway,” laughed Fontaine. Advance tickets are $25 and are available to pick up at a variety of locations throughout Elk Point. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the event for $30 each.
It is only the second year for the festivity in Elk Point, but the St. Lina Ag Society has been holding its New Year’s Eve dance for many years now.
Ron Zazulak, president of the St. Lina Ag Society, said the annual event is a chance for families in the area to get together and have some fun at the local community hall.
“It’s mostly friends and relatives, but every year a few new people show up,” said Zazulak.
The band 45 Special will supply the dance music and the supper this year will be chicken cordon bleu, served at midnight. Zazulak said it is best to phone in advance for tickets because there are over 350 members in the Ag Society and it is a popular event so the tickets are sure to sell out early. Tickets are $15 and are available by calling Zazulak at 780-635-3737. Tickets are also available by calling 780-635-4058 or James 780-635-2288.
The dress is semi-formal, so the event offers a chance for people to dress up a bit.
Drink tickets will be available but the Ag Society follows the ProServe guidelines set out by the Alberta Government. “We don’t sell too many (drink) tickets to each person … and people respect that,” said Zazulak. He said that his entire family is looking forward to the event. “It is a great way to see the friends and relatives of our neighbors, and renew old acquaintances as should happen on New Year’s.”
In St. Paul, the annual New Year’s Eve benefit dance is set to take place at the St. Paul Abilities Network gym. Rollie Poitras and the Good Timers will provide the entertainment, starting at 8 p.m., with a hot lunch served at 9:30 p.m. All the proceeds from the annual benefit dance go to local families in need of support.