Those wanting to celebrate the arrival of 2016 in Osoyoos have several options geared to adults of all ages.
The Osoyoos Senior Centre is holding a Dine and Dance New Year’s Eve event featuring the music of Rick Wood.
Wood is known as a shindigger and plays classic rock ‘n roll among other styles.
“He does whatever the people want,” said Val Paolera of the Senior Centre. “He’s very versatile. We’ve missed him for the past five years.”
Poelera noted Wood is originally from Osoyoos, but moved to the east to help with family and recently moved back to Keremeos.
“We’re looking forward to seeing him,” she said.
While the Senior Centre can accommodate 80 people, Paolera said they like to keep it to around 70 for this event to allow space for dancing.
A ticket of $25 per person includes a buffet dinner of ham, potatoes, vegetables, salad and desserts, she said.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and cannot be purchased at the door due to liquor licensing. Those living out of town, however, can reserve tickets by phone and pick them up on the night of the event.
The doors open at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 and dancing starts around 8 p.m.
Paolera said many in attendance will stay up to see in the new year while others celebrate earlier and head off sometime before the stroke of midnight.
For tickets, visit the Senior Centre or call 250-495-6921.
Another event takes place at the Osoyoos Legion where local singer Diane Ball is back to entertain guests.
Legion President Bruce Davies said the Legion anticipates 105 people, with the event expected to sell out at $25 a ticket.
Ball, who is a regular favourite at this event, does popular music from past decades.
“She’s versatile,” said Davies. “She can play just about anything.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. and dancing starts around 8 p.m. There’s a mini buffet at 10 p.m.
For those wanting to celebrate with a few drinks, there’s a free safe ride home on the town bus, said Davies.
The event is open to everyone and not just Legion members, although usually members buy tickets for guests, Davies said.
Tickets must be purchased in advance at the canteen in the Legion.
Catering to a younger crowd with a cowboy theme is Sage Pub’s Rhinestone Cowboy New Year’s Eve Bash where the music keeps going until 4 a.m.
“We are going to have a pig roast,” said Reanna Lang, waitress-manager. “Then will have a champagne toast at midnight.”
Appetizers will also be put out at midnight, she said.
There is a $10 cover charge.
The Owl Pub also has a New Year’s Eve event featuring a disc jockey from Kelowna, said manager Tyler Fecyk.
A $10 ticket includes a mini bottle of champagne and there’s also a midnight lunch.
Fecyk said people are encouraged to get dressed up.
The Owl Pub will be staying open until 2 a.m., he said.
None of the major resorts is hosting public events to see in the New Year, but the Walnut Beach Resort is planning a dinner event featuring the music of Okanagan harpist Ingrid Schellenberg.
The dinner is $35 per person and is in the resort’s restaurant. Seating begins at 6 p.m., said Katrina Philippson, at Walnut Beach Resort’s front desk.
Some local restaurants and wineries may also be hosting smaller events. Check for ads in this week’s Osoyoos Times for details.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
