County offers lots of options for New Year's Eve revelers

New Years is right around the corner and there are lots of interesting ways to bring in 2006 no matter what your budget, age or lifestyle. Subcommittee in Stanhope If you want to “get your groove on,” head over to the newly renovated Stanhope House for an unforgettable night with the band, Subcommittee. They will be playing their tight blend of funk, punk, jazz, Latin, reggae and rock and roll till the wee hours of 2006. Advance tickets are $60 and available by calling the Stanhope House at 973-347-0458. Admission includes a three-hour open bar, hot and cold buffet and prizes. For more info visit online at subcommittee.org or stanhopehouse.com. Jacked at the Junction For those who prefer covers of their favorite 80s and 90s rock tunes, the Junction Nightclub in Andover rings in the New Year with the band, Jacked. The cover charge of $59.95 includes a four-hour open bar, all you can eat hot and cold buffet, and a special champagne toast, hats and noise makers. The Junction is located on Rte. 206 in Andover. For reservations, call 973-383-4700 or go online to junction206.com. Rockers at Krogh’s Rockers Melody McDowel will be playing their blend of tunes at Krogh’s in Sparta, along with a live DJ spinning between sets. Complimentary party favors and champagne will be available at midnight and there is no cover charge. Krogh’s is located at 23 White Deer Plaza in Sparta, near Lake Mohawk. For information, call 973-729-8428 or visit online at kroghs.com. Dining, dancing and fun The Lockwood Tavern - New Years Bash with Jax and DJ music spinning between sets. Complimentary party favors, champagne and finger foods at midnight. No cover, drink specials. 77 Route 206, Byram. (973) 347-0077. Black Forest Inn - Offering its famous toast goose. Open for dinner New Year’s Eve from 4 to 11 p.m. Route 206 north, Stanhope. (973) 347-3344. Zoe’s By the Lake - A la carte menu and spectacular holiday specials. Open New Year’s Eve from 4 to 11 p.m.; New Year’s Day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Zoe’s is located at 112 Tomahawk Trail in Sparta. (973) 726-7226. Fratelli’s at Rock Mountain Manor - New Year’s Eve Celebration - Four course dinner from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., open bar, champagne toast and dancing. $75 per person. Fratelli’s is located at 485 Glen Road, in Sparta. (973) 729-2650. Thirsty Moose Steak House - Special New Year’s dinner. $27.95 per person. The restaurant is located at 400 Route 15 south, Lake Hopeatcong (one mile past the Pathmark shopping plaza on right). (973) 361-7600. At the fire houses... Several town fire departments have New Year’s Eve Parties in the works. McAfee Fire Dept. will begin festivities at 7 p.m. Admission of $40 per person includes a hot and cold buffet, open bar and DJ. For tickets and info, call 973-827-6538. The McAfee fire house is located on Rte. 94 at Rte. 517 in Vernon.. The Beemerville Fire Dept. is hosting an island theme party from 8 p.m. till 1 a.m. at the Fire Hall on Route 519. For $25 per person there will be a hot and cold buffet, champagne toast and open bar. For details and tickets, call 973-875-2972... Franklin’s Fire Dept. will have DJ Ray Sikora spinning tunes from 7 p.m. till 1 a.m. The cost is $30 in advance, $35 at the door, and includes a buffet starting at 8:30 p.m. and a champagne toast. For tickets and information, call 973-827-3878. Family friendly events For family friendly events there are few options in our area and some a short drive away. The duet, Narrow Escape, will bring in the New Year with a blend of swing and other dance music from the 40s and 50s at the newly opened Tapestry Cafe in Netcong. The $20 cover charge includes cheese and fruit, noisemakers and a sparkling cider toast at midnight. This will be an all age, family friendly event. Tapestry Cafe is located at 6A Route 183 South. For information, call 973-347-0123. Snake-Oil Willie is in town The Mountain Brook Inn will have a dinner-dance with the Snake-Oil Willie Band. They mix their home brew of country and rhythm-and-blues to create rocking party music. The Mountain Brook Inn is located in the Middleville section of Stillwater at 901 Rte. 521. For information, call 973-300-1888. ‘First Night’ celebrations “First Night” celebrations are happening throughout the state. The one closest to Sussex County is in Morristown. These family-oriented, non-alcoholic celebrations offer many activities suitable for all ages. Performances include dance, music, exhibits, poetry readings and street performers. Morristown’s First Night event begins at 7 p.m. and culminates with a fireworks display over the green at midnight. The cost is $15 per person or $50 for a family of four. For information, call 973-455-0708 or go online to firstnightmorris.com. For other First Night events go to firstnightintl.org.