On New Year's Eve, New York City drops a ball made of Waterford crystal while tens of thousands of people cram themselves into Times Square.
Yeah, that doesn't happen in Maine (although Bangor does drop a beach ball covered in tiny lights, pictured above). Things are a little more laid-back here, which is just the way we like it. No matter what your reveling style, there's surely something to do to celebrate. Here are our picks to see the decade out, Maine-style.
Big Fish
In Eastport, which shares a bay and a sense of community with its neighbors in New Brunswick, revelers drop two things — a giant maple leaf at the strike of midnight Atlantic time and a great sardine at the stroke of midnight eastern time. Live music, dining and lodging specials abound.
tidesinstitute.org
Small Ball
The whole thing began as, not exactly a gag, but let's just say that the family who started Bangor's tradition of tossing a lit beach ball off their roof on New Year's Eve had no way of knowing they were starting a phenomenon. Now in its fourth year, Downtown Countdown has grown into a citywide celebration with food, drink, live music, dancing, movies and games for all ages. The ball toss takes place in West Market Square, but everything else is indoors.
downtownbangor.com
Icing on the Cake
If we had an extra $50 kicking around (and had plans to be in Portland), we'd go to Icing at Space Gallery. Where to begin with Icing? Live music by Spencer and the School Spirit Mafia, Bam Bam, Matt Rock & Kate Cox, Olas, and Frank Turek; photography by Jonathan Donnell; video by Dave Camlin and David Meiklejohn; an installation by Pinehaven Collective; and a screening of "Handmade Nation" by documentarian Faythe Levine.
Space538.org
An Old-Fashioned Good Time
Bar Harbor's First Night allows families to celebrate the new year early with a bonfire, hayride, cocoa and story time from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 31, at the town ballfield and YMCA.
barharborinfo.com
It's Bean Real
We're really,
really, ready to give 2009 the boot. And what better way than with a celebration at L.L. Bean? The family-friendly festivities go on all day, and feature performances by popular children's musicians The Flannery Brothers and Rick Charette. Oh, and there will be fireworks, too.
llbean.com
Revelry by the Bay
Belfast really knows how to throw a party, and this lovely city has had plenty of practice. Now in its 13th year, the chem-free New Year's by the Bay has become a destination for locals and visitors alike. Expect plenty of excellent food, great music, tango (yes, tango), curling, poetry, a bonfire and more.
nybb.org
Last Hurrah
Last Night! in Blue Hill features music, dancing, puppet shows, juggling, magic and more by 30 artists — the opener is Noel Paul Stookey — in 10 venues throughout town. Everything is free.
http://www.flashinthepans.org/events.html
