Celebrate New Year’s Irish Style

Traditionally, the Irish New Year (called Samhain) was celebrated on October 31, marking the divide between the "light" and "dark" halves of the year. Bonfires were lit and mistletoe was distributed to protect people from harm, specifically from spirits of the dead and mischievous fairies. But after centuries of cultural evolution and religious/pagan conflict, Samhain morphed into Halloween, and the Irish New Year fell in line with the rest of the Western World on January 1. 

While Ireland currently celebrates the holiday much like we do (namely, drinking), the Emerald Isle will see 2011 several hours before Southern California—a perfect excuse for local Irish pubs to kick off the festivities a bit early. Hooley's in Grossmont Center will count down the new year just before 4 p.m. Friday (midnight in Ireland) with live music by the Buzzbombs.  For more information, call 619-713-6900 or visit Hooleys.com.

Additional New Year's Parties

in Lemon Grove is celebrating with free live music from local rockers Banned from Eden, starting at 9 p.m. Call 619-469-6344.

The Chico Club's New Year's party will feature rock and blues cover band Swivel and the Groove. Music starts at 8 p.m. and the La Mesa club will provide a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. For more information, call 619-465-4190 or visit chicoclub1940.com.

in Spring Valley is kicking off the new year with live music by local metal band Bone Machine. Music starts at 9 p.m. For more information, call 619-698-2204.

Bill Cardinal and the Canyon Band will help the Riviera Supper Club in La Mesa usher in 2011, with live music starting at 9 p.m. Call 619-713-6777 or visit rivierasupperclub.com.

A Mild-Mannered Alternative

However, if loud music, overpriced drinks and merrymakers who've imbibed a bit too much holiday cheer sounds like the complete opposite of your ideal New Year's Eve celebration, look no further than the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, which is hosting a milder, yet every bit as celebratory event to ring in 2011. Starting at 8 p.m., the event will feature live dance music by the Melody Kings, plenty of party favors and noisemakers, and food, including sandwiches, salads, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are $22 per person, and all are welcome (seniors are encouraged to attend). For more information, call 619-667-1322 or visit cityoflamesa.com.

Tracking Walk

Why is it that no one seems to take New Year's resolutions seriously? Much hype is given to identifying your faults and earnestly trying to rectify them, but those who even bother to make life-changing goals usually abandon them within months. Part of the problem is that the goals are too lofty or too vague (or both). Make more money? Good luck in this economy. Find true love? Online dating sites aren't flourishing for no reason. Lose weight? Sure, if you can narrow down a diet and exercise plan that works for you. 

Exercise, however, doesn't have to mean verbal thrashings from a personal trainer or the monotony of an indoor gym.  It can also mean doing something you enjoy that involves physical activity, such as a in Mission Trails Regional Park. Mike Gibbs, a trail guide and Tracking Team member, will lead a walk from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday that will teach participants how to track wildlife. The walk is free and open to all, and anyone interested should meet at the Visitor's Center (and wear long pants). For more information, call 619-668-3281 or visit mtrp.org.