Northoftampa: 'Tis the season

'Tis the season

By Times staff writer

Celebrate Safe at Busch Gardens -- Hold the alcohol and pour on the fun at a New Year's Eve celebration in a 335-acre African themed park. Ride world-class roller coasters in the dark such as Montu, Kumba and Gwazi, and party the night away with live music and disc jockeys from WSSR-FM 95.7.

Light up the new year and welcome in 2001 with a spectacular fireworks show and watch the ball drop at midnight. A signed pledge card to "celebrate safe" puts guests in a drawing later that night for a chance to win a grand prize package for four that includes tickets to any Busch Gardens or SeaWorld Adventure park, round-trip tickets on Southwest Airlines, ground transportation, 4 days and 3 nights hotel accommodations and $500 in spending money.

Celebrate Safe tickets are available for purchase at AAA, TicketMaster, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union and throughout Tampa including Busch Gardens. Tickets are $24.95 in advance, $29.95 the day of the event, $14.95 for Fun Card Holders and $12.95 for Annual Passmembers. This year's Celebrate Safe New Year's Eve party is from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. today at Busch Gardens, 3605 E Bougainvillea Ave. just off Busch Blvd.

New Years Eve bash at Skipper's: -- Donna the Buffalo is a six-piece band from upstate New York that formed in 1987 and has been all over the country in their 1953 tour bus, playing festivals and select clubs. They bring a universal message of tribal warmth and celebration with a blend of musical genres, including Cajun, Zydeco, rock 'n' roll, folk and old timey. Earnest and sometimes pointed lyrics issue moral challenges.

The show starts at 9 p.m. tonight at Skipper's Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, near Nebraska Avenue. Tickets are $50 if available. The cost also includes party favors and champagne at midnight followed by breakfast. For information, call (813) 971-0666.

MOSI WONDERLAND: Hop aboard a train for a ride through a fantasy land of toy soldiers, candy canes and lollipops, toy drums, sleds and decorated trees. The Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E Fowler Ave., has become a wonderland with Teddy Bears & Trains. Meet Dr. Lynn Rogers, also known as the Bearman, and see his exhibit of 50 bear photographs. The exhibit runs through Jan. 7. For information, call (813) 987-6100.