By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
This year when others are watching Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve special live from New York, Salisburians will be rockin’ to the sounds of Momo live from the Old Bell Tower.
Monica “Momo” Ostroska, 22, is the featured performer at this year’s event.
Ostroska is an East Rowan High graduate, who is now enrolled at Catawba College where she is majoring in music business.
She recently recorded, produced and marketed a CD of Christmas music, and is in process of creating an album of original music.
This year’s event is guaranteed to have plenty of what people have come to love about the tradition.
“More and more people come out each year,” said Betz McKeown, marketing and promotions manager for Downtown Salisbury Inc.
She believes people return because of the family-friendly atmosphere, there’s no alcohol and the event doesn’t last long.
The event is from 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. at the corner of South Jackson and West Innes Street.
“Or just the fact that it’s become a family tradition encourages people to come,” she said.
The event, McKeown said, is light, fun and has a hometown atmosphere.
Dr. Karl Hales will emcee the event as he’s done for the past several years.
“He gives the background on the Bell Tower and announces the winner of the downtown dollars and the first person to ring the bell,” McKeown said.
After the first person rings the bell anyone else who wants to ring the bell can do so, she said.
During the drawing, organizers will select five people. The first four will receive downtown dollars and the final person will get to ring the bell.
Attendees can submit their names for the drawing.
Hales also begins the countdown to midnight.
At the stroke of midnight there will be a toast of sparkling cider.
While it may be tradition to ring in the New Year at the Old Bell Tower, there are other events in Rowan County.
This is the first year the Blue Vine has held a New Year’s Eve event, said owner Rose Meeks Jones.
There are 50 seats available, but to get them, people must pre-pay to reserve.
“Walk-ins are available, but there is no guarantee they’ll get a seat,” Jones said.
The event is $15 per person or $25 for a couple. The ticket includes a seat, the band, appetizers, party favors and of course wine at midnight.
The New Year’s Eve bash begins at 9 p.m. The band Midlife Crisis with Lonnie Carpenter will perform from 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
Midlife Crisis performs beach music and great hits from the 80s through the 90s.
All wine for purchase will be 15 percent off.
The Blue Vine has been open since 2006. The Blue Vine is located at 209 S. Main St., Salisbury.
The High Rock Boat & Ski Club is under new ownership and planning a big New Year’s Eve bash.
Owner Curt Cloutier said there will be much to eat, hear and see at the event.
The band performing during the event is Rockin Horse, based near Badin Lake.
Those who want to eat and hear the band can enjoy one of three combo meals which are: steak and shrimp, chicken and shrimp or flounder and shrimp, for $35.
If attendees don’t intend to eat they can still enjoy the band for $10 per person.
“Either way, come and eat or just enjoy the band,” Cloutier said.
The Club opens at 6 p.m. and the band begins at 9 p.m. and will continue into the new year.
Champagne is also included at midnight for a toast.
The High Rock Boat & Ski Club is located at 257 Boat Club Lane, Salisbury.
The following are other local events taking place:
– Brick Street Tavern, 122 E. Fisher St., Salisbury.
New Year’s Eve event from 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. with the Salisbury Jazz and Swing Band. There will be no cover. For more information, contact 704-637-6047 or www.thebrickstreettavern.com.
– Castaways, 119 N. Link Ave., Salisbury.
The event features the band Divided by 4 and begins at 9 p.m. There is a $5 cover and free champagne toast at midnight. For more information, contact 704-216-0130.
– Fat Jack’s, 120 Military Ave., Salisbury. New Year’s Eve event with Full Circle Band. No cover. For more information, contact 704-638-8996.
– The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Highway 150. New Year’s Eve bash with the band Funk City Blues.
The Inn is a Christian coffee house and club. For more information, contact 704-213-1467 or www.inntheloop.blogspot.com.
– Mimosa Restaurant, 117 N. Main St., China Grove. The event will feature live music with Boogie 2 Shoes. For more information, contact 704-856-1200.
If you are— having a New Year’s Eve event, please contact Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.