Vinton to welcome 2012 with New Year’s Eve Gala
VINTON–Vinton Chamber of Commerce President Sabrina Weeks invites revelers to usher in the New Year in Vinton this year.
“We hope people will join us for a fun-filled evening of celebration as the Town of Vinton and the Vinton Chamber of Commerce rings in the New Year. Last year was a memorable event; please don’t miss the fun this year,” said Weeks.
The Chamber stepped in last year to fill the void left when Roanoke County Parks and Recreation discontinued the annual Enchanted Eve festivities held in downtown Vinton. Attendance had dropped for that event, which covered a large part of downtown and proved to be quite expensive and extensive to stage.
While the entire family was encouraged to attend the Enchanted Eve event, the New Year’s Eve 2011 Gala is planned for adults over age 21. The party starts at 8:00 pm on December 31 at the Vinton War Memorial and ends at 12:30 am on January 1, 2012.
Party-goers are invited to dress in their party best, with black tie optional. While mixers will be offered, there is no alcohol available, except for the midnight Champagne Toast included with the ticket. Guests are allowed to bring their own beverages.
In its first year in 2010, over 100 people attended the event. While there are still a few tickets left for this year’s party, the crowd has almost reached the Vinton War Memorial’s capacity of 218. Tickets are $50 per person, $80 per couple, or $300 for a table of eight. They are available from the Chamber in advance, or at the door, if there are any left at that time.
The New Year’s Eve Gala is sponsored by local Chamber business members Valley Bank, First Citizen’s Bank, and Vertex Signs.
Cambria Suites Hotel on Reserve Avenue in Roanoke has partnered with the Chamber to make the holiday a safer one by offering a special discounted package on New Year’s Eve, with a shuttle bus to take party-goers to and from the event in Vinton.
Once the guests arrive, entertainment will be provided by well-known Vinton DJ Joey Nicely. They can also play Casino Games courtesy of Vinton’s K and T Entertainment, whose director Kynn Deadrick is on the Chamber Board. Barry Brooks Photography, a Vinton based studio, will be taking prom-type photos, and A Cut Above Catering is providing heavy hors d’oeuvres.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Angie Chewning Lewis says that she and Chamber secretary Kathryn Sowers began planning this year’s Gala on January 1, 2011.
“We are delighted with this year’s advanced ticket sales, especially considering the many venues in the Roanoke Valley area residents have to choose from on New Year’s Eve,” said Lewis.
The Chamber’s next event is already set for February 4, when Tru Sol, a Myrtle Beach band, will be playing in the first Winter Concert Series at Woodland Place in Vinton. Tickets are available for that event, as well as the New Year’s Eve Gala, by calling the Chamber at 343-1364.
By Debbie Adams
