By Karah Wilson
karah@southerntorch.com
DEKALB CO., Ala.—The year is dwindling down and people are already making preparations for next year. The new year won’t officially begin until Thursday and there are several places in the county that are offering places to be to ring in the new year.
Mentone Inn will be hosting a couple of New Year’s Day events on Jan. 1. Starting at 12 P.M., there will be a lunch with baked ham, black-eyed peas, pinto beans, collard greens, cornbread, banana pudding, and a drink. It will cost $14.95 per person. Reservations are preferred, but not required. The lunch will end once all of the food is gone. Starting at 2 P.M. in the Mentone Inn pavillon, you can ring in the New Year with 5 Paiste gongs for a moment of relaxation, meditation, healing, and fun. There will be a fire. For more information about these events, you can call 256-634-4836.
Fort Payne native Jess Goggans and her band will be one of many bands playing on New Year’s Eve at The Barnyard in Fort Payne. With Goggans will be Soul Karnival, Dooley & Tatum Boys, and Bert David Newton. “I generally play every year for New Years. I played the Wildflower Cafe for about 2 years in a row but I didn’t play last year,” Goggans said. “This will be the first time I’ve hosted an event with multiple bands in the area for New Years! I think it’s going to be great.” Goggans has played with some of these bands before. “I’ve played with all these guys a variety of times, aside from Tony Brook. Tony is said to be one of the best! He plays a lot in the Auburn circuit. He is an amazing musician. We are lucky to have him and we are lucky to have them all.” Goggans said she expects “a great, family friendly time” during the event. “There will be lots of fun for everyone with great food and music! We will have the Cotton Bowl playing for folks that need to keep up with Alabama football! I’m hoping this brings the community closer together!” Goggans said. “Each band provides a different feel as far as genre goes. It is mostly original music. These are three local bands with a great following plus up and coming Soul Karnival makes a great addition. They each play for around an hour each. The Jess Goggans Band will be bringing you into 2016.” While you are there, make sure to grab a bite from the Bar B Q Place and grab a tomato pie from Chef Ben. The event starts at 5 P.M. and goes until the New Year. There will be a $10 donation at the door that wil go towards music. There are also dinosaurs and robots made from scrap metal for children.
However you decide to bring in the new year, remember to be safe, have fun, and make plans for the upcoming year. Everyone here at Southern Torch wishes all of you a happy new year and we hope the upcoming year treats you well!
