Where’s the Party?

Happy New Year Kingstonist readers!  I hope you’ve all had a great holiday.  Harvey and I have enjoyed some much needed time off, and although I’ll miss these slow, lingering mornings, I’m looking forward to getting back into the groove on Monday.

So, let’s get right to it.  What did you do on New Year’s Eve?  Planning for December 31st has always been a little stressful.  When I was young, I remember spending many memorable NYE’s with my parents, watching Dick Clark, dancing in our livingroom and being allowed to stay up until midnight.  As I got older, the plans became more elaborate and friend focused.  There was always a party to go to and the desire to make it the “greatest night of the year” was always there.  When I got to university and my friends were scattered all over the country for NYE, the parties started to get a bit smaller.  In my adulthood, things have really tapered down.  There have been a few years when Harvey and I have had another couple or two over for dinner and some champagne at midnight, but since they’ve all started having babies, that has stopped too.  So we’ve made it a night just for us.  I mean, really, what choice do we have in Kingston?

A few days before the big night, I was going through our new events calendar and realized that I hadn’t received any press releases about New Year’s.  I took it upon myself to find out what was going on and then I figured out why I hadn’t received anything – nothing was happening.  OK, I shouldn’t say “nothing”, there was one event: a party at The KRock Centre put on by the City of Kingston.  OK, this could be a possibility – there’s free skating at least.  So I looked into what was happening at The KRock.  Wait, this can’t be right…fireworks are at 9pm?  As I went through the list of events I came to realize that this party was very strongly geared towards families.  The music was family oriented and, as I mentioned above, it all ended in time to get the kids to bed.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I live in a town that has a focus on families and respect for its residents (I can only assume this is why the fireworks are so early) but I wonder what those of us without children (or with babysitters) and wanting to celebrate with the community can do on a special night like this.   Where’s our party?  The bars in town were open but there was little live music to be heard and most places were just doing their regular thing.  I want glitter damn it!  I would have paid to buy an advance ticket somewhere to go to a party that included live music, dancing, maybe some food and a glass of champagne at midnight.  NYE is the perfect night for a special Soul Shakedown or a concert at the Basin that goes until midnight ending with fireworks.  I mean, I know we’re not New York City, but looking at other events held in the dead of winter, I think Kingstonians would go.  There is such a strong sense of community in this city, it would be great to share that feeling by ringing in the new year together.

I think many of the young and/or childless in Kingston go elsewhere to find the party.  I’m guilty of it myself.  There have been a few years where Harvey and I have bought tickets to events happening in Ottawa or other big cities nearby.  But for once, I just want to be able to stay here and have the same experience.  I know we have the resources.  But I guess the party planners and production companies need a night off too…

Maybe I’m just out of the loop.  What did you do for New Year’s Eve?  Do you have kids or are you in, what seems to be in Kingston, the same strange limbo as me?  Either way, I did have a nice New Year.  I spent it with my best friend and had an excellent meal (more on that later).  I’d just like a chance to share this special night with my community too.