Community Corner

New Year's Eve in Plainview and Beyond

Looking for love? Just good food? Find it here.

If you're like me, New Year's Eve hasn't been the same since Guy Lombardo was conducting "Boo Hoo" at the Waldorf. Hopefully, you're not like me.

Just 32 miles due west of Plainview, a illuminated ball weighing nearly 12,000 pounds will travel 77 feet down a flagpole high above Times Square. Its minute-long journey announces to the world the arrival of 2011. The ball drop has happened each year since 1907 (except for two of the World War II years.) This happens despite the fact that, in most of the world, the midnight hour has long since come and gone.

The "5 Things" column in Plainview Patch tells you five essential pieces of information that might help you today. Included are community events or big local topics appearing on this site. This feature appears daily.

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Here's some ideas how you can mark the coming of the New Year.

Find out what's happening in Plainviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1. Go to Times Square: Take advantage of the new 15 percent fare hike. Trains leave Hicksville station at 6:59, 7:23, 7:33 and 7:50 p.m. Friday. You'll arrive at Penn Station about 45 minutes later. Take the 1 2 or 3 train one stop uptown to Times Square. (Or take the 1 or 2 train two stops uptown, to 50th and Broadway and walk south.)

Party like it's 2011 with one million people. The event is much more tame than years ago; they've even banned alcohol.

2. Go Out On The Town: Plainview, that is. Check our Restaurant and Dining guide for local New Year's Eve gatherings in Plainview. Remember, you may need reservations, so call early.

3. Look For Love: The is hosting a New Year's Eve singles event, sponsored by 7 in Heaven. The $80 admission includes a buffet, music, comedy show and the chance to find true love. 

4. Stay home and Tailgate: It's a big night for College Football. Order a party platter from  or pick up some seafood from . Watch No. 20 South Carolina vs. No. 23 Florida State in the Chick-fil-A Bowl at 7:30 p.m. Then, at midnight, watch your neighbors celebrate in Times Square (See option No. 1 above.)

5. Make an Announcement: Did your holiday bring a family engagement, a job promotion or other big announcements? Add it to our announcements page.


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