It's time to start thinking about New Year's Eve. If you're like me, it's one of those holidays you'd rather avoid. But you can't. So why not drink and dance the night away--perhaps with some new friends (especially some new friends that might provide that ever-so-important midnight kiss?) Meetup.com has great activies (although I'll admit I've never been to one), and the Downtown group just sent the email below (I cut and paste for you!). Sounds like fun. If I wasn't already going to Mother Hips at Marilyns, I might look into it.

From Marsh's email:

Announcing a new Meetup for Downtown/Midtown!

What: New Decade New Year's Eve Party!

When: December 31, 2009 9:00 PM

Price: $59.00 per person

Where:
Masonic Temple
1123 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

The Downtown/Midtown Meetup & Friends cordially requests the pleasure of your company at our
2010 New Year's Eve Gala!
A Celebration of Wine, Music, and Dance

MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND!

Sacramento's premiere New Year's Eve Gala will be held at the Elegant Masonic Temple located in downtown Sacramento. Join us for an unforgettable night as you ring in the New Year! Don't miss this incredible value as we close out the first decade of the 21st Century in style!

Upscale or Cocktail Attire Requested
Thursday, December 31st at 9:00PM

Please reserve your tickets soon. Ticket prices go up on December 26th!
ADMISSION INCLUDES OPEN BAR & UPSCALE APPETIZERS!
Tickets are only $59 | $69 after 12/26 l $79 at the door

You do not need a date to attend: Both singles and couples will attend the gala. Whether you come by yourself or with friends, you will have a wonderful time!

Enjoy an evening of great music and dancing

Listen to the Upbeat sounds of Sacramento's favorite jazz band - Midtown Jazz while you mix and mingle from 9:00 to 10:30pm. At 10:30 pm DJ Greg of A Special Request will spin the classics from the 70's and 80's. He'll also play a medley of slow jams for the romantics in the crowd.

About the Venue
The Sacramento Masonic Temple has been the location of choice for hundreds of weddings, holiday parties and banquets, the stunning 8,000 square foot room accommodates up to 600 for cocktails and hor d'oeuvres. It is the largest venue in Sacramento and is conveniently located near the State Capitol.
The Sacramento Masonic Temple offers convenient parking and easy access to Interstate 5

Please note that all online ticket sales are final. No refunds.
We are unable to offer refunds or cancellations once a ticket has been purchased.
Tickets will be released at the entrance only to the person who purchased the tickets upon presenting photo ID.
This gala will sell out! Please note that all attendees must be 21 or over to attend.

Our open bar includes wines from the following local wineries:
Vino Con Brio Winery
Perry Creek Winery
Nine Gables Winery
Terre D'oro
It will also include a selection of upscale beer from one of Sacramento's better Breweries.

Appetizers!

Experience the taste of the Mediterranean.
In addition to our open bar and midnight champagne toast, Chef Elias owner of Tony's Deli will prepare delectable appetizers representing the flavors and culinary traditions of the Mediterranean for you to experience and enjoy.
Menu
Jumbo Prawns on Ice with Cocktail Sauce/Lemon Wedges
Oysters in the Half Shell on Ice
Smoked Salmon (Lox) with all the trimmings
Mediterranean stuffed Grape leaves
Mediterranean Ravioli Salad
Assorted Imported & Domestic Cheese with Assorted Crackers & Baguettes
Deluxe Vegetable Platter (In season Vegetables)
Cajun Sausage
Mild or Spicy Italian Sausage
Italian or Swedish Meatballs

Please note that all hosted service, both appetizers and wine & beer will stop at Midnight.

No Host cocktails will continue to be served after that.

OPTIONAL SERVICES
Can't find someone to watch your children?
Use our nanny service. Your child will celebrate new years in a separate area on the premises which will only be accessible by parents who use the service. We'll have a play area set-up for your children's enjoyment.
$20 first child, $10.00 for each additional child. Ages 3 to 14.

NEED A RIDE HOME?

To insure you arrive home safely we'll provide end of night shuttle service, with next day pickup to retrieve your car- $20 roundtrip (15 minute radius of the Masonic Temple)

Valet Service $10
Coat Check $2

To book your limousine ride call 916-922-5466

We'll offer special hotel rates-TBA

We're partnering with the following meetup groups to make this event a success:
Single in Sacramento
Addicted to Adventure

MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND!

Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/downtown/calendar/11996962/