Why watch a ball drop on TV when you can a ring in the new year Florida style?
The annual New Year’s celebration in downtown Sarasota has become a mega block party that attracts thousands.
Carnevel, a carnival featuring children’s rides, games and prizes, happens at Midway 5 Points Park from 1 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
The party on main street begins at 5 p.m. and includes music, dining and a full bar. The illuminated pineapple drops at midnight, and then the party keeps going.
Details: 1 p.m. Monday to 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. Intersection of Main St. and Lemon Ave., Sarasota. Free.
Myakka River State Park will host New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day hikes. Marc R. Masferrer mmasferrer@bradenton.com
New Year’s hike
Whether you are looking to get some exercise before a night of partying or get a jump start on a New Year’s resolution, this might be the event for you.
Hike It Florida will lead New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day hikes through Myakka River State Park. The five-mile hike loop leads through scenic ecosystems with good chances for photo ops and wildlife sightings.
The Good Liquid Brewing Company will celebrate New Year’s Eve with $5 craft beers and appetizers, a live DJ, a free champagne toast at midnight and the New York City ball drop on a giant projector screen. Cheers!
Details: 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. New Year’s Eve. 4824 14th St. W., Bradenton. No cover.
The Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge is an annual event where people jump into the Gulf of Mexico around noon on New Year’s Day in return for donations to charity. Bradenton Herald file photo
11th annual Shamrock Shiver
The 11th annual Shamrock Shiver on Anna Maria Island will kick off the new year with a day of fun and give local charities a big boost into 2019.
Participants dressed in costumes of all sorts get photographed and judged by a crowd for a chance at a trophy. Then, they plunge into the Gulf of Mexico. It makes for a truly unique sight on Bradenton Beach.
The plunge and the party that follows at Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub in Cortez raise money for local charities that aid disadvantaged children in Manatee and Sarasota counties. This year’s goal: at least $25,000.
To find out how to plunge for pledges, or to donate, call Clancy’s at 941-794-2489 or Florida Winefest at 941-952-1109.
Details: Costume contest photos at 11 a.m., judging at 11:30 a.m., plunge at noon. New Year’s Day. Gulf Dr. and Seventh Street South, Bradenton Beach. Post-plunge party from 1-5 p.m. at Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub, 6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton.
