10A
WINTER BREAK GUIDE
THE UNIVERSITY JAIRY KANSAN
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WFDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2006
New Year's night out
Leave 2006 in style and hit up rockin' venues in Lawrence and Kansas City
BY TAYLOR BERN
For most KU students, sitting at home with mom and dad while watching the ball drop with Dick Clark is not the ideal way to spend New Year's Eve. Luckily, Lawrence and Kansas City offer a variety of venues for celebrating 2007.
In Lawrence, campus favorites such as The Hawk, 1340 Ohio St., The Wheel, 507 W. 14th St., or The Crossing, 618 W. 12th St., will be open. The usual night out at the bars will jump up a notch with a shot of New Year's glee and sprinkles of the false promises you'll make to yourself and anyone within hearing distance. The Hawk offers a special of $40 for 20 tickets, which includes a champagne toast at midnight and giveaways throughout the evening.
Those looking for a more specific New Year's party, however, should look no further than Massachusetts Street for the New Year's Extravaganza at The Granada, 1020 Massachusetts St.
"There's a lot of places in town that are really fun for holidays, but on New Year's, the best place has got to be the Granada." George Barry, Lawrence freshman, said.
The 18-and-older function will feature DJ Scottie Mac and a champagne toast at midnight. The event costs $10 and doors open at 8 p.m., allowing patrons time to drink and dance before ringing in 2007.
Not every New Year's Eve event in Lawrence is limited to the night.
life, as fans of the women's basketball team can catch a 12:30 p.m. home game before heading out for the night.
Local New Year's fun goes beyond Lawrence, also, as Kansas City offers a lot of options for entertainment.
Those will to spend $95 can head to the Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway St. Though it may seem expensive, the price covers an open bar with champagne, four rooms full of food, breakfast after midnight and several bands and DJs throughout the event.
"Everyone I know from the area has great stories from past New Years and most of them already have plans for this year," Peyton Marek, Coppell, Texas, freshman, said. "I'm going to make a trip back just for the day, but I don't know whether to go to Lawrence or Kansas City."
Kansas City also offers other choices for New Year's destinations. The Velvet Dog, 400 E 31st St., is a martini lounge with retro-themed decor. Kansas City's Recordbar, 1020 Westport Rd., offers alternative entertainment, including an adult puppet master and tribal belly dancing. Cover charge is $15 or $12 for those dressed "very sharp" or as James Bond characters.
Of course, if none of these ideas sound appealing, there's always room on the couch to watch Clark with mom and pop.
Kansan correspondent Taylor Bern can be contacted at editor@kansan.com.
- Edited by Mindy Ricketts
How to throw a good New Year's party
BY DAVID SCHAEFFER
If there is one day out of the year when people party, it is definitely New Year's Eve. It is a holiday that calls for champagne, fireworks and lots of great friends. Many people will want to throw a party for all of their peers, but they are still confused by how to throw a good party. So what is a person to do?
clean it up."
"I'll be to throw a New Year's party, I would have lots of confetti and lots of pots and pans to bang at midnight," Sarah Schmit, Lenexa junior, said. "I would also put up decorations, have a costume theme and make fun cookies to eat."
Another factor to consider is where to have your party. While most people host their parties at home, some prefer to have it some place else.
While some people will put lots of preparation into their party, there is still no guarantee that people will show up.
"Hotel parties are always a good idea," Lauren Bredesen, Minneapolis, Minn., freshman said. "You can party and swim and you can leave the place a total mess and not have to
Scott Haman, Dallas, junior,
said that a lot of parties on New
Year's Eve are not any good
because no one knows which
party is the big party.
"You need to let everyone know in advance about your party so the word can spread around or no one will come," Haman said. "Also tell everyone there will be free beer."
By following helpful advice and adequate preparation, anyone is capable of throwing a good New Year's party. Just make sure you have enough of both sexes at the party.
"Your shindig needs to have a lot of guys and girls." Schmit said. "I never have anyone to kiss at midnight when I need to."
Kansan correspondent David Schaeffer can be contacted at editor@kansan.com.
Edited by Brett Bolton
Photo illustration by Jared Gab
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