It’s soon to be a new year. That means new ways to party. And we’re not blowing smoke.
— They’ll be Smokin’ on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve at the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt, when Smokin’ Whiskey plays their “prime cuts” from ’70s bands that members of the quintet say they love.
Their song list is heavy with deep tracks from some bands that when combined with their popular standards are on the list eight or nine times. Other examples are Don’t Believe a Word being among five Thin Lizzy tunes, and The Ocean set in the midst of three from Led Zeppelin. The Jimi Hendrix pick is Little Wing and there even are a trio from Robin Trower.
They say their mission statement, which steers far from the usual corporate version, is “to rock your socks off … and whatever else comes with it.”
— Two postings on the Agave sign give the long and the short of it involving New Year’s Eve hours in downtown Hudson. One a few days before said: “Open all night NYE, Dick’s, Ellie’s, Moose, Agave.” It was followed by this somewhat cheesy one: “Holy cow. Moose to have 6 DJs. We only have Kevin.”
— Speaking of the Smilin’ Moose, various staff members were on hand after midnight early Wednesday, blowing up hundreds of balloons in back by the area that bands play. They actually did it the old fashioned way, using their lungs rather than a machine. “That’s why there are so many people here,” said bartender Carla.

— The moose will not be the only hoofed animal with fun afoot. At Season’s Tavern in North Hudson, the longtime band Thirsty Camel, a trio led by drummer and owner Brad, will make another encore appearance before the ball drops. They have been playing around the area for literally decades, and have hit some of the real hot spots in the metro area with their brand of vintage rock. For the early part of the evening, starting at 9 p.m., the band will be situated upstairs to entertain diners with somewhat lighter tunes, (There also will be an arrangement of candles for ambiance, courtesy of Brad’s wife, that will fit in well with some of the band’s favorite songs, including those by the likes of Pink Floyd).

— Various places are going retro and dropping things such as balloons at midnight, and Pudge’s at that time will again even have a ball drop outside on their patio, running fully down the side of their building. And that’s also the time when, at Guv’s Place in Houlton, there will be sign-up for a dart tournament that will start at 1 a.m. and go into the wee hours. Even all the way through those early hours, there will be appetizers from the new menu at Ellie’s on Main, for those who need some sustenance. And for those in need of a ride, no matter how late, the Village Inn in North Hudson has made available a specialized ride service offered for tips, and also planned is using an 11-person motor home belonging to owner Leigh Halvorsen for that purpose.