Top 5 Best Bets in Miami for New Years Eve: 2008

With New Years Eve fast approaching I thought I would write about the Top Five Events going on in and around Miami, a few are costly and a few are free so there is something for everyone and every pocketbook..

Number One...A Freebie:

The 26^th Annual King Mango Strut:

This is one we never miss that takes place in Coconut Grove. This year it's a day early but the weirdness persists as the Parade pokes fun at many non-local and local politicians as well as celebrities galore...For instance, The Chongalicious Girls , who became local celebrities following a YouTube spoof of the song Fergalicous, they will be the Grand Marshals of the Parade, wearing full Conga costumes, poking fun at the typical style of young Miami Latinas...You can be sure you will find a few folks in the parade dressed as your most unfavored political leader as well as completely outrageous sights floating down Main Highway.

The strut starts at 2:00 P.M and lasts for a few hours...its never on time so be there early to check out all the crazy characters...Commodore Plaza at Main Highway.

Number Two... Another Freebie:

The Big Orange: Bayfront Park...

Miami's answer to the New York City Countdown....This is the 20^th Annual celebration...There will be live entertainment in the Parks Amphitheater from 8:00 P.M. to 11:45.P.M., then elected Officials will lead the countdown as the "Big Orange" reaches the top of the nearby Inter-Continental Hotel at Midnight....The celebration continues with fireworks and a laser show over Biscayne Bay...this one is fun for the whole family.

Number Three...Not a Freebie but funny.

Lewis Black at the Fillmore on Miami Beach...

Black, a Grammy award winning stand up comic, notably from the Jon Stewart's Daily Show, calls himself "America's foremost commentator on everything", will be on stage to entertain with his famous rants and comedy routines. If this type of comedy is your thing than don't miss him .

Fillmore, Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater, 1700 Washington Ave.,
Tickets: $58.50 to $87.50 at www.ticketmaster.com or call 305-673-7300

Number Four:.. Expensive:

The Mansion:
Party at this most popular South Beach club where December Playboy cover girl and reality TV star Kim Kardashian are the VIP guests. The open bar ends at midnight so be there early to get your moneys worth...also in attendance will be Playboy Playmate and "The worlds sexiest D.J." Colleen Shannon who will be turning the music tables along with D.J. Ted the Dillenger.....if you really have a lot of spare change, get an eight -person VIP table in front of the stage with a magnum of the best vodka and Dom Perignon for, (gasp), $6,000..oh my!

Price; $200 a person. Located at 1235 Washington Ave, South Beach....for more information call
305-531-5535

Number Five...For a good bet and also a big price tag:

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Will be offering food and entertainment at the Jazziz Bistro. For $200 a person you will receive a four-course gourmet meal, a bottle of fine French Champagne, live entertainment by Michael Whitehead and his Final Countdown Band...There will be an open bar from 9:00 P.M till midnight...for a bit less drain on the pocketbook, $20 per person will get you on the dance floor and the gambling tables at the Casino...after a few hands of Black Jack be ready to look up at the fireworks over the lake.

Seminole Paradise, 1 Seminole Way, (off U.S. 441 north of Sterling Road), near Hollywood,
For more information call: 954-583-8335

So there you have it, the top five big events in South Florida, from Miami to Coconut Grove to Hollywood, the celebrations will be in full swing...most restaurants have special celebrations and prices to go with them and there will be local fireworks at various locations throughout Miami and its surrounding areas.

Have Fun, Be Safe and Happy New Year.