Ringing it in
Events across the area to celebrate the new year

Bartender Alicia Pena pours a drink at Sammy C's Rockin' Sports Pub and Grille Saturday. — © 2008 Gallup Independent / Cable Hoover

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Gaye Brown de Alvarez
Staff writer

GALLUP — Some people prefer to stay home on New Year’s Eve, others prefer to party hearty with friends and family. Those who want to stay home can watch that ball drop on television and then go to bed.

That’s exactly what Rachel Wyn of Mexican Springs is planning to do, have dinner at her mom’s house and with the rest of the family just like they did on Thanksgiving and Christmas. “We’ll all stay up and watch the ball drop,” she said in an interview Sunday.

Crystal Clark, 26, of Gallup said “Me and my boyfriend are just hanging out with the family, having dinner and drinks at the house.”

Raul Lopez, 25, is a bartender at Sammy C’s, so he said he will be busy working. He did mention something about “posole at midnight,” a favorite in this area.

Steve Harper, owner of Stoneweavers, said he was planning on going to Phoenix, “but I’m going to stick around and see what’s going on.” His son Brian was planning to go with him to Phoenix, and they still may go, “depending on the weather and roads.”

Ramona Quintana, a secretary at JFK Mid School said “We’ll probably go out for dinner and then come home for the change of the year.”

Sharon Hunt Pena of Gallup said in an interview that she was wiped out from Christmas. “We had family here from Christmas including grandchildren, and we’re nearly exhausted. We will stay home.”

Greg Garcia, a local handyman, construction worker and plumber said “I’m not a party guy anymore. All my friends drink but I don’t, so I don’t have any plans for right now.”

What’s happening

The Fire Rock Navajo Casino near Churchrock is planning to celebrate the new year in style. On New Year’s Eve, there will be the dynamic sounds of “Powerlite,” from Reno, Nev., a band that plays a variety of music. Whether there will be alcohol or not is still up in the air, Marketing Director Rhonda Ray said. “We’re hoping the license will be here by next week,” she said. There is a small area to dance and a New Year’s Eve buffet, featuring food by Chef Antone. There is no cover charge. Capacity at the facility is 2,500, so party revelers may want to get there a little bit early so they won’t have to wait in line. Information: (505) 905-7100

El Rancho on Route 66 and Miyamura overpass has nothing special planned at the bar, employee Rachel Ortega said. The restaurant and bar will be open, with the restaurant closing at 10 p.m. and the bar closing after midnight. The capacity in the bar is about 80 people and there will no be no band or disco, but the jukebox will be rockin’. No cover charge. Information: Call (505)-863-9311
The Best Western on East Route 66 is planning a New Year’s Bash from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. featuring two bands — Fenders II and Neon Moon Express. Tickets are $15 which do not include drinks and food. Capacity is about 300 people. To get tickets early, buy them at the Best Western desk clerk. When tickets are gone they have to close the doors. Information: Call (505) 722-2221.

Sky City Casino at Exit 102 on I-40 will be celebrating with former Gallup resident John Encino and the Full House Band dance starting at 9 p.m. They will be open 24 hours and there is a hotel there, for those who don’t want to drive back to Gallup. There is no cover charge. Information: Call 1-888-SKY CITY.

Sammy C’s Rock ‘n Sports Pub & Grille at 107 West Coal Ave., in downtown Gallup is featuring Al Romero and the Flashback Band. The band starts at 9 p.m. and the New Year’s activities will have a Mardi Gras theme. They will be serving dinner from the menu and will have their regular nightly special. No cover charge. Information: Call (505)863-2220.

King Dragon Restaurant on North U.S. Highway 491 is featuring a special for two people of two buffets and one pound of king crab legs for $39.99. (Or $19.99 per person). Don’t like crab? The buffet is $8.50 per person. Zen Steak and Sushi is offering a special but they are still working out the details. Both restaurants open at 4 p.m. and close at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Call (505) 863-6300

Towoac Recreation Center in Towoac, Colo., is having a New Year’s Eve Revival concert from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., with Jim Felix with special guest Thomas Arviso, Lil’ Angels, Purple Robe, Pastor Wallace Begay, Sheldon and Val Slim and the Plateros. It’s an indoor concert at the Spirit of God Church and everyone is invited. No cover charge. Information: Call 505-324-2721