Best Bets: New Year’s Eve partying

Denny Charnecki, from right, Ann Hemann, Virginia Milton and Amanda Corey will all take part in the New Year's Big Country Show at the Paramount Theatre on New Year's Eve.

Christmas is done. The influx of food ingestion is almost over, and the holiday stresses may be mostly gone, too. Mostly. A few more holiday related events sit on the calendar, especially those that ring in the New Year.

There are two more chances to see beaming holiday lights, as the Austin Festival of Lights wraps up Friday and Saturday night at 5 p.m. and after. The tour, located at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Campground east of Austin on Interstate 90, is $15 to tour, with $5 for a donated food item. Check out more information at austinfestivaloflights.org.

Don’t stay up too late on Friday because Saturday could turn into a long one. The Eagles Club, 107 11th St. NE, actually kicks of New Year’s Eve on New Year’s Eve morning. Music, food, games and entertainment begin at 10 a.m. Saturday and continue until 2 a.m. Sunday. And if that’s not enough, head down to the Eagles again from noon until midnight on New Year’s Day; they’ve got more.

For those who are looking for the classy scene this weekend, check out Four Daughter’s Vineyard and Winery. The recently opened business several miles east of Grand Meadow on Highway 16 is holding a New Year’s Eve celebration, as well. Dinner seatings begin at 6 p.m. ($25) and 9 p.m. ($45) with four course dinners and various wines. Don’t forget to make reservations — 507-346-7300.

From local talent to the DC Drifters to Grand Ole Opry performers, the Paramount Theatre, 125 Fourth Ave. NE, will feature all eras of country music on New Year’s Eve. The Big Country Music Show starts 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door and $5 for students. Don’t worry; the show will be over with plenty of time to catch the ball drop.

The year 2011 won’t be the only piece of history in Austin come 2012. The Austin Public Library has been holding open viewings of its historic St. John’s Bible. Another viewing is open Jan. 5, along with an educational video on Jan. 7. at the library.

Look to Reporter Matt Peterson’s column every Friday for more about upcoming events in Austin. For even more, check out the calendar on Page 4 every day in the print edition.

SportsPlus

Education

Area schools close school ahead of frigid temperatures Tuesday

News

Trump returns to power after unprecedented comeback, emboldened to reshape American institutions

Mower County

AFD called to house fire Sunday

Mower County

Law enforcement investigate morning burglary at Runnings

Mower County

Dangerous cold to deliver arctic-like Tuesday morning

Lyle

PHOTOS: Lyle Area Cancer Auction leans into 46th year

Business

Hobby gone wild: Main Street pinball offers up gaming thick with nostalgia

Mower County

Pacelli to hold annual fundraiser

Albert Lea

After tense start to session, local legislators ready to get to work

Mower County

Austin seniors made a difference on the local soccer scene by asking a key question as seventh graders

Mower County

Martin Luther King Day Community Meal to be held Monday

Mower County

Blood drive on Feb. 18

Mower County

In Your Community: Austin Noon Lions donate to APS

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: Awards come home to Algorithm

News

Supreme Court upholds law banning TikTok

Mower County

Bitter cold cuts across region this weekend

Mower County

Free water tests offered in SE Minnesota

Mower County

Faribault man charged with vehicle theft

News

Walz unveils slimmer Minnesota budget, pitches sales tax cut

Mower County

City, county developing comprehensive plans with each other in mind

Mower County

Nomination period open for Pay It Forward

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Jeffer Lorenzo back in Mower County court, will face sentencing in March

News

Minnesota Democrats ask state Supreme Court to resolve state House power struggle