On New Year's Eve, Marietta resident Cody Bauman will be where he's been the last day of many years - on stage.
Bauman has been in one band or another since he was 16 years old, so he's played a lot of New Year's events.
"Usually if I'm not, I'm just at home," he said.
New Year's Eve audiences can have a different mix than other performances, Bauman said.
"There's a lot of people out who aren't usually out, just because it's New Year's," he said.
This year, Bauman will be performing with Hit Parade at The Adelphia Music Hall on Second Street in Marietta. The band, for which Bauman serves as drummer, formed in 2010 and performs '80s covers.
"They probably draw the biggest crowd of any entertainment we have," said Audrey Moodie, general manager of the Adelphia and the Galley.
Music, food, dancing and more await Valley residents as they ring in 2012. A number of establishments are having special events and others are preparing for a busy night.
Lucio Castillo, manager of Tampico Mexican Restaurant in Marietta, said the business is usually more crowded on New Year's Eve, but he expects even more people than usual.
"This time it's going to be a Saturday," he said.
A survey by the National Restaurant Association indicated an estimated 100 million Americans would be dining out or ordering in on either New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.
East of Chicago Pizza owner Tim Myers said he always has an extra worker or two to make sure demand is met on New Year's Eve. It's not as big a night for pizza as Super Bowl Sunday or the day before Thanksgiving, but Myers estimated business is up 20 to 30 percent.
Some restaurants have special offers for New Year's Eve. The Galley is offering a four-course gourmet dinner starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 and include the performance by Hit Parade starting at 9:30 and a champagne toast at midnight. People can also pay $10 to come for just the music and the toast.
More information is available by calling 374-8278 or visiting www.thegalleymarietta.com.
In some cases, revelers may stay at the place where they party.
The Lafayette Hotel and Holiday Inn in Marietta are offering packages that include overnight stays.
All 77 of the Lafayette's rooms are booked for Saturday night, but there is still room for people to come to the party, which starts at 8 p.m., with music by local band River City Revue from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. The package includes a midnight buffet, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight in the ballroom.
"It's a really nice place to come and enjoy yourself with friends," said Christina Thrasher, director of sales and marketing at the Lafayette.
For reservations, call 1-800-331-9336 or 373-5522.
The Holiday Inn's package for couples includes a dance party in Brandy's Lounge with music by a DJ, as well as champagne, party favors, a midnight buffet and a New Year's Day breakfast buffet.
The $95 price includes a room for two with a king-sized bed. For more information, call 374-9660.
It's not just restaurants and hotels playing host to New Year's parties.
The Knights of Columbus Hall in Churchtown recently revived its New Year's Eve party last year after an absence of nearly a decade, said Bernard Dyar, the hall's Grand Knight.
The event was brought back "to keep something in our own area," he said.
Last year's festivities drew 60 to 65 couples ranging in age from "21 to 81," Dyar said.
Doors open at 7 p.m., with a meal at 8 and music by a DJ starting at 9. The party is "bring your own beverage," with mixers and snacks provided, along with a euchre area and party favors. Admission is $30 a couple or $15 for singles, with proceeds going to upkeep of the building. For more information, call 896-2117.
Other New Year's Eve events in the area include:
New Year's Eve Gala at the Blennerhassett Hotel in downtown Parkersburg, featuring live music by Columbus group Luxury Brown; package includes overnight accommodations for two, hors d'oeuvres, a midnight buffet, a cash bar and a champagne toast.
New Year's Eve dance from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the American Legion Post 159 home on Central Avenue in Williamstown; includes music by a DJ, appetizers and party favors; cost is $10 for singles and $15 for couples.
Surf and Turf New Year's Eve dinner party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5108, 319 Pike St., Marietta; music by Little Rock from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.; cost is $25 for singles and $40 for couples and includes dinner, dance, party favors and pork and sauerkraut at midnight. To sign up, call 374-9038.
New Year's supper and karaoke starting at 6 p.m. at the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 52 Hall on Ohio 821 off Interstate 77 exit 6 past the Pit Stop north of Marietta; sauerkraut and pork, $2; karaoke, $3 cover charge. For more information, call (740) 629-2315.
