New Year’s full of things to do, eat

Whether it’s partying the night away, dining out, or just staying in with some takeout and a good movie, there’s no shortage of things for Borderland residents to do this New Year’s Eve.
The local Legion is promising a rollicking New Year’s Eve party on Sunday, featuring karaoke, party favours, specials, cab coupons, a midnight lunch, and more.
The event is open to everyone (Legion members and non-members alike) and there’s no admission fee to attend.
You also can ring in the New Year at the Adventure Inn, which will be open until 3 a.m. There will be DJ music and party favours.
Only 120 tickets are available, which can be purchased for $10 in advance or $13 at the door (if there’s any still left).
Over in International Falls, a “New Year’s Eve Blast” is being held at the Backus Community Center.
This event for adults, which runs from 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., will feature casino party games, live and silent auctions, music, contests, prizes, hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and a cash bar.
Admission is $25, with a portion of the proceeds going to various Falls area charities.
Parents attending this party can pay an extra $5 and send their child to a kids’ celebration at St. Thomas School, where they can expect games, treats, and fun.
Then at midnight, party-goers can head over to Smokey Bear Park and check out the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
There also will be a teen dance in “The Dungeon” (located in the basement of the Backus Auditorium) from 9 p.m. to midnight on New Year’s Eve. This will be preceded by a laser show from 8:30-9 p.m.
Admission is $5 (Cdn.)
Pizza, pop, water, candy, and glow sticks will be available at a snack bar. Adult chaperones will be present at this alcohol-free event.
For those looking at just having a quiet night out, there’s a number of options in Borderland. Keep in mind, however, that those planning to dine out are highly encouraged to make reservations A.S.A.P.
As of this morning, there still were openings for those wanting to dine at Kettles Restaurant, which has several specials for New Year’s Eve patrons, La Flambée, which will be serving up an array of special entrées that evening, and La Place Rendez-Vous, which will be offering both its regular and holiday menus.
The Riverfront Grill at the Holiday Inn in International Falls also will be offering a special New Year’s Eve menu.
For those planning on staying in for the evening, local restaurants such as Le Hoa’s, Lee Garden, and the Mekong will be open for takeout and delivery, as well as in-restaurant dining.
Likewise, Domino’s Pizza will be open for takeout and delivery until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve while Pizza Hut will be open until 9 p.m. that night.
After you’ve spent a night ringing in the New Year, be sure to wake up the next morning and go to La Place Rendez-Vous to check out the annual “Polar Plunge” hosted by the Voyageur Lions Club of Fort Frances.
This fundraiser event, which will see local residents jumping into the frigid waters of Rainy Lake for charity, is slated to start at 1 p.m.