Tonight’s the night for ringing out the old and ringing the new.
Public New Year’s Eve celebrations are planned across the North Olympic Peninsula. Here are some of the events lined up.
For other parties, see John Nelson’s Live Music column on this page.
First Night
PORT TOWNSEND — A maritime theme for games, songs and storytelling has been chosen for the Port Townsend First Night celebration, which is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight.
At 9 p.m., which is midnight in New York City, Port Townsend will usher in 2010 with the raising of the illuminated anchor created by sculptor Thaddeus Jurczynski, followed by fireworks launched from Memorial Field.
Admission is by donation. A $5 donation is suggested. Proceeds will benefit the Jefferson County Historical Society, which organized the event sponsored by First Federal.
Those who got their passes in advance can get discounts at several downtown restaurants prior to 6 p.m., said Bill Tennent, executive director of the historical society.
Passes are available at the historical society’s museum in old City Hall, 540 Water St., Port Townsend.
Old City Hall will be the venue for many of the activities.
Musical singalongs and Broadway show tunes will be featured in the City Council chamber.
A photography exhibit will be mounted in the Hildt Room. Musicians and actors will perform in the Fire Hall.
“History bingo” and a maritime history project will be in the courtroom. The Port Townsend High School Interact Club will conduct children’s games in the jail cells.
The Port Townsend Athletic Club, 229 Monroe St., will be a venue for children’s stories presented by the Key City Public Theatre.
At the Jefferson Community School, 280 Quincy St., Suite 1, children will create maritime art pieces called “sailor’s valentines,” and the Key City Playhouse will feature “The Best of PT Shorts.”
Elevated Ice Cream Co. and Candy Shop, 631 Water St., will feature face painting and live music.
The Pope Marine Building, Water and Madison streets, will be jumping with square, line, round and folk dancing. Live music also will be featured at the Boiler Room, 711 Water St.
All pass holders will receive raffle tickets for prizes donated by local merchants.
The raffle will take place at the close of the evening following the fireworks. It is not necessary to be present to win.
Sequim New Year’s event
SEQUIM — The third annual New Year’s Eve Bash will be held at the Sequim Boys & Girls Club, 400 W. Fir St., at 8 p.m. tonight.
The event, hosted by Sequim Vineyard Community Church, provides a safe environment for all ages and helps local families by collecting canned goods for donation the Sequim Food Bank.
The gym will be open for basketball, and there will be pool, foosball, air hockey and other games available.
John Himmelberger, associate pastor, said the event is not meant to promote the church but to serve the community.
“We had heard that The Boys & Girls Club New Years Event was canceled, [and] we love the Boys & Girls Club, so we stepped up to the plate,” he said.
Three bands will perform. They are 7 Horns 7 Eyes from Seattle, The New Divide from the Portland area and Port Angeles-based Against All Hope.
Admission is free with a canned food donation.
For more information about the event, phone Himmelberger at 360-460-4556 or e-mail johnh@vinemaker.com.
Bay Club
PORT LUDLOW — A New Year’s Eve celebration is planned at the Bay Club in Port Ludlow.
Cocktails — bring your own — begin at 7 p.m. Dinner is at 8 p.m. and dancing at 9 p.m.
Both members and nonmembers are welcome, but reservations are required.
To make reservations, phone 360-437-2208.
Twilight Lounge
FORKS — The Twilight Lounge, 81 N. Forks Ave., is hosting a free, invitation-only event for those 21 and older.
It begins with the second of two first rounds in a karaoke contest, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
That will be followed by a party at 9 p.m., with recorded music, beverages and party favors.
To receive an invitation, contact the Dazzled by Twilight store in Forks at 360-374-5101.
Elks Naval Lodge
PORT ANGELES — The Elks Naval Lodge is hosting a public party that is a fundraiser for Hilda’s Hope for Life, a local charity for AIDS orphans in Uganda.
“In the Spirit of Africa” includes a silent auction, raffle and dancing to the African-reggae-pop group, Spirit of Ojah, at the lodge at 131 E. First St., Port Angeles.
Tickets are $65 per person or $450 per table and include a full dinner, dessert and champagne at midnight.
Tickets can be ordered online at www.nwperformingarts.com.
Moose Lodge
PORT ANGELES — The Moose Lodge will host a members and guests only party, starting at 8:30 p.m.
Entertainment at the lodge at 808 S. Pine St., Port Angeles, will be blues by The Soul Shakers.
The event is free and includes a potluck dinner and champagne and party favors at midnight.