Local News
Fewer New Year's Eve events on tap
Marc Valero | Highlands Today
Published: December 29, 2012
SEBRING As the year 2012 winds down, plans and preparations to celebrate the arrival of the new year are cranking up with folks readying the noise makers, funny hats, food and bubbly spirits.Published: December 29, 2012
Revelers who want to party on the town or at a club or restaurant have a few options, but not as many New Year's events are planned in Highlands County.
The Kenilworth Lodge on Lakeview Drive, Sebring, will not be having a New Year's Eve party with entertainment this year.
"Our turnout last year was a bit disappointing for the time and effort and money that goes into the event," Kenilworth Lodge General Manager Kathy Knowles said.
The hotel decided to work with the Elks lodge across the street to offer their New Year's party to any hotel guests who wanted to participate, she said.
But it turned out that the Elks canceled its New Year's Eve party because they had fewer people than ever sign up for it, Knowles said.
"I don't know if it is the money issue or the driving and drinking," she said. Last year the Kenilworth Lodge had a hypnotist and music, two years ago a Jimmy Buffet tribute band and three years ago an Elvis impersonator.
"We had a wonderful year, it was just the New Year's. It dropped significantly," Knowles said. "The only place I know that is having something substantial is the Château Élan … because they have the Avon Park Beach Boppers, which is a very large group.
Karl Reich, a chef at the Sebring Elks, said maybe they cancelled it prematurely.
"They only had a few people interested in the beginning of December; nobody signs up for New Year's Eve until after the 15th [of December], but that's the way it goes," he noted. "We have nothing going on New Year's Eve."
Château Élan, at Sebring International Raceway, is having a New Year's Eve "extravaganza," with festivities starting at 7 p.m. with cocktails and d'oeuvres, buffet dinner from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and a DJ providing music for dancing for $89, which includes a silver VIP pass for the hotel grounds for race week.
For more information call 655-7200.
Chicanes Restaurant & Bar, inside Inn on the Lakes at 3101 Golfview Road, Sebring, is ringing in 2013 with a four-course dinner, champagne toast and live music for $75 per person. A dinner menu, priced by entrée, will be available from 3–6 p.m. For details call 314-0348
The Sun 'N Lake Island View Lakefront Restaurant & Pub will be having a '50s-themed New Year's Eve party for $65 per person, which includes a filet mignon dinner with appetizer and dessert, open bar from 7-9 p.m., DJ music, champagne toast, party favors and fireworks. For more info call 382-1191.
Cody's Original Roadhouse, 521 U.S. 27 N., Sebring, will feature a couple of New Year's Eve specials – bacon wrapped petite filet mignon and cold water lobster tail for $21.95, and a 12-ounce slow roasted prime rib of beef for $15.95 with all the fixin's and a complimentary glass of champagne, party hats, favors and noisemakers.
For more information call 402-0735.
The Red Solo Cup, at 6940 U.S. 27 N., Sebring, is partying on New Year's Eve with free champagne at midnight. For more information call 385-7331.
malero@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5826