Penguins to rockin’ blues: Ring in 2019
Events around the county offer options for friends
and families to celebrate
It’s time to say good-bye to the year 2018 and welcome in 2019. Across Howard County, numerous events are scheduled for the momentous countdown, from a penguin ball for youngsters to fancy dinners and festive parties for all ages.
So, don a party hat, gather with friends and families and have a safe and happy New Year.
Children ages 3 to 7 are encouraged to dress in black and white when they attend the Penguin Ball at the Glenwood Branch of the Howard County Library System. Featuring stories, crafts and songs, the event has been a tradition at the library for several years, according to Lori Coforti, the teens instructor at the Glenwood Branch.
“We have a librarian who is a penguin aficionado,” Coforti said. “Lots and lots of her personal penguins decorate the room.”
At noon, there will be a countdown and a toast with apple juice.
“It is a great way for kids to feel part of the New Year’s Eve magic without staying up late,” Coforti said. “It is very cute and adorable and fun.”
Every week, The Main Event hosts Monday Night Madness featuring all-you-can-play activities including bowling, billiards, laser tag and arcade games. New Year’s Eve will be no exception.
For those planning in advance, packages are available offering dinner, dessert trays and private rooms.
“This will be our first year in Columbia,” said Amanda Jones, sales manager. “I think it will get a little bit busy. I know it will be a good time for families and friends getting together for a great night out.”
A countdown and party favors are included.
Aida Bistro in Columbia has traditionally offered a special four-course prix fixe menu on New Year’s Eve with a champagne toast at midnight. This year, the bistro is also offering a new event, New Year’s Italian Style: An Evening in Red, on Sunday.
“We wanted to change it up and try something new this year,” said Morgan Bowser, public relations manager and administrative assistant at Aida. “We wanted to give everybody a chance to get in here and have some fun.”
For the Italian event, participants are encouraged to wear red — a color that represents good luck and fertility — to the dinner, which will feature Italian street food and a glass of wine, beer or sparkling wine. Music will be provided by a DJ from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are required for both dinners.
Turf Valley has hosted a New Year’s Eve celebration since the 1990s featuring food stations, open bar, party favors and live music.
“We have a lot of repeats and a lot of groups,” said Victoria Smith, food and beverage assistant at Turf Valley. Overnight packages are also available. “We try to make it a good value and include the events and breakfast,” Smith said.
Alexandra’s, the restaurant at Turf Valley, will offer a separate three-course dinner special on New Year’s Eve.
The Judge’s Bench in Ellicott City hosts an annual New Year’s Eve party featuring live music by Dirty Secret and Friends, a blues and rock band, sparkling wine and party hats, according to Mike Johnson, co-owner.
“It’s fun,” Johnson said. “We have our core of regulars and other people.”
Though located on Ellicott City’s historic Main Street, The Judge’s Bench suffered no damage from the two deadly floods in recent years.
Business, while not what it was before the May flood, is OK, Johnson said, and he expects New Year’s Eve will be busy.
“Dirty Secret is a very popular local band,” Johnson said. “We do good pub grub. People come and stay awhile.”
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