HAPPY NEW YEAR:
Baltimore New Year's Eve Extravaganza will begin at 8:30 p.m. tomorrow with five nonalcoholic parties under the same roof at the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Refreshments will be free. Entertainment will include the Motown band Bobby & the Braggers, country singer Maria Rose, along with comedians, strolling performers and DJs playing the latest dance hits. A special children's area will feature magicians, singers and balloon sculptors.
At 11:45 p.m. partygoers can stroll the skywalks to the Inner Harbor to welcome the New Year as Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke counts down the seconds to midnight and a fantastic fireworks display. In case of inclement weather, fireworks will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Meanwhile, at the Harborplace Amphitheater Jim and Mindy Ratliff will be teaching country line dancing from 8 p.m. to midnight. Free.
Skaters will be able to celebrate the New Year's festivities from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Rash Field Ice Rink. Admission is $3.75.
The Metro and Light Rail will extend hours of operation to 2 a.m.
Information: 837-4636.
The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore will kickoff its first First Thursday of the year on Jan. 5 with seven open art galleries, exhibitions at four nontraditional art galleries, theater and symphony performances and a film screening. Other events planned include special hours for the Washington Monument and the Mount Vernon Museum of Incandescent Light. All this along North Charles Street, just north of the Inner Harbor. Information: 244-1040.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!