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Make New Year's Eve plans now

South Pinellas Ring in 2008 with performing arts and fireworks.

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 23, 2007

It's not too early to start making plans for New Year's Eve. Here's a listing of events scheduled for the big day:

New Year's Eve dance party: Swing into the new year with music, dancing and libations at the Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. The celebration for all ages includes party favors, refreshments, prize giveaways, an art exhibit, champagne toast and a countdown to midnight. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. with free swing dance lessons at 8 and the festivities starting at 9. The casino features a cash bar and free parking. $15. Advance purchase suggested. Call 893-1070 or (813) 274-4950.

WMNF New Year's Eve Bash: An evening of music and dancing featuring "Trombone Shorty" and Orleans Avenue, a party band whose music has roots in jazz, funk and soul. Magadog, Tampa's top ska band of the '90s, opens the show. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the fun runs through 1 a.m. The Coliseum, at 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg, is a BYOB facility with set-ups and snacks available. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 the day of the event. Call 892-5202.

First Night St. Petersburg: More than 25 merchants and venues in downtown St. Petersburg come together for the 15th annual family friendly celebration ringing in the new year. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. and feature music stages, entertainment, drama, dance, games, art and fireworks. The kids will stay busy with art activities, face painting, temporary tattoos, animals, puppet shows, storytelling, a Shana Banana performance and much more throughout the evening. Musical entertainment include Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners, the Bay City Jazz Sextet, ragtime piano player Bob Milne, 100-drum community drumming circle, the Dundu Dole Urban African Ballet and performances by the St. Petersburg Opera Company and American Stage Theater plus a teen dance party. Enjoy a grand finale fireworks display over the Vinoy basin at the stroke of midnight. Admission buttons are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, for access to all 25 stages of performances and activities. Bars and restaurants stay open late to accommodate the revelers. For information, call 823-8906 or check the Web for details at www.firstnightstpete.com.

New Year's Eve at the Pier: The downtown St. Petersburg landmark kicks off New Year's early with activities starting at 1 p.m. that include face and body painting, kids art activities, storytelling, and the Suncoast Band and guitarist Marius Kozlowskiurius performing. Activities are all free and do not require a First Night button. Call 821-6443.

[Last modified December 22, 2007, 21:00:41]