Jackson Free Press

Through Dec. 29

U.S. Youth Soccer ODP Girls Winter Interregional at Freedom Ridge Park, Ridgeland (235 W. School St.). U.S. Youth Soccer ODP regional teams in the 1990 and 1992 age groups will train and compete in front of national and leading collegiate coaches to maximize their exposure. U.S. Youth Soccer is divided into four regions, Region I (East), Region II (Midwest), Region III (South) and Region IV (West) to assist in national competitions. Free admission; e-mail [e-mail missing].

Through Dec. 31

"Name the Baby Giraffe" contest at Jackson Zoological Park (2918 W. Capitol St.). Submit your entry at the main entrance. The winner will be announced on New Year's Day and will get a family membership to the zoo. $1 donation; call 601-352-2580.

Through Jan. 1

6-9 p.m., Kwanzaa Celebration at the Medgar Evers Community Center (3159 Edwards Ave.). Look forward to a different activity (dance, poetry, etc.) each night. Free; call 601-454-5777; e-mail [e-mail missing].

Tuesday, Dec. 29

10 a.m., Jackson City Council Meeting at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). The Jackson City Council holds its regular meeting, open to the public. Free; call 601-960-1033.

Thursday, Dec. 31

5 p.m., New Year's Eve Party at Atlantica Grill (121 Colony Crossing Blvd., Ridgeland). Includes a six-course dinner and a rose to complete the evening. Couples receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne or wine before or after the meal; individuals receive 2 glasses. Seating in 15-minute increments from 5-6 p.m., 7-8 p.m. and 9-10 p.m. Reservations taken until 11 p.m. By reservation only; deposit may be required; call 601-607-4180 or 601-951-8988.

5 p.m., New Year Praise and Worship Services at Turning Point Mission Center (1814 Shady Lane Drive). The public is invited to come and help ring in the New Year. Free; call 601-372-1080.

6 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., New Year's Eve Dinner at BRAVO! Italian Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N. #244). Sit down for a six-course meal and free party favors. Free Champagne included for 9:30 p.m. seating. $70 for 6 p.m. seating, $90 for 9:30 p.m. seating; call 601-982-8111.

6 p.m.-midnight, Mississippi Magnolia Drop at Club Total (342 N. Gallatin St.). Music, food and drink available to ring in the New Year. $10 and up; call 601-720-0499.

7 p.m.-1 a.m., Technicolor New Year's Eve Gala at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). 7-9 p.m.: members-only dinner in "The Mississippi Story" galleries; 9 p.m.-1 a.m.: dessert, dancing, cocktails, Champagne toast, and fireworks at midnight, with music by The KrackerJacks and DJ Mario in the Trustmark Grand Hall. Advance tickets only. $100 general, $125 VIP Lounge; $150 for dinner; call 601-960-1515.

7 p.m.-2 a.m., New Year's Eve Party at Underground 119 (119 S. President St.). Five different reservation packages include party favors, free wine or Champagne, and breakfast. Limited to 120 guests; performance by King Edward. $50-$250; call 601-352-2322.

8 p.m., Fitzgerald's Party at the Hilton at Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road). Rock into 2010 with Champagne, entertainment by Chris Gill and the Sole Shakers, dancing and a midnight snack. Optional luxury overnight package for couples with late check-out the next day. Free admission; $149 for overnight package; call 601-957-2800.

8 p.m.-12:30 a.m., New Year's Eve Celebration at Regency Hotel (400 Greymont Ave.). Festivities include finger foods, party favors and Champagne at midnight. No reservation required; first come, first serve. Live music by Snazz starts at 8:30 p.m. $20; call 601-969-2141.

8 p.m., New Year's Eve Celebration at Petra Cafe (104 W. Leake St., Clinton). Festivities include belly dancing by Mandy Margolis, free Champagne and fireworks. Free admission, reservation required; call 601-925-0016.

8 p.m., New Year's Eve Service at God's Refuge Christian Fellowship Center/Church (1931 Boling St.). All are welcome to ring in the New Year with praise, worship, communion, confession and games for people of all ages. Music by Christian hip-hop rapper GZOSH (http://www.myspace/GZOSH). Free; call 601-918-8539.

8 p.m.-1 a.m., New Year's Eve Bang at Eli's Treehouse (1837 Cherry St., Vicksburg). The evening includes drink specials, a performance by the Dreamers with Danny Scallions and Owen Hale on drums (former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer), a Champagne toast and watching the ball drop on the big-screen TV. Free; call 601-636-3953.

8 p.m., New Year's Eve Celebration at Pop's Saloon (formerly Pop's Around the Corner) (2636 S. Gallatin St.). Look forward to free red beans and rice, complimentary party favors, Champagne at midnight and music by 51 South. A shuttle bus will be available. $12 advance, $15 at the door; call 601-961-4747.

9 p.m.-1 a.m., New Year's Eve Celebration at Fenian's (901 E. Fortification St.). Activities include a performance by The Peoples, free party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight. Free admission; call 601-948-0055.

9 p.m., New Year's Eve Service at The Church Triumphant (Odyssey North Shopping Center, 731 S. Pear Orchard Road, Suite 43, Ridgeland). Ring in the New Year at this special service. Free; call 601-977-0007.

9 p.m. to 4 a.m., Dec. 31-Jan. 2 New Year's Blues-A-Thon at F. Jones Corner (303 N. Farish St.). For three nights, enjoy performances by Anna Lee Dillon, Sherman Lee Dillon's Mississippi Sound with Amazin Lazy Boi, Jesse Robinson, Scott Albert Johnson, Jackie Bell, Jason Bailey, Virgil Brawley, Stevie J, Jesse "Guitar" Smith, Johnny Owens and Hollywood & Tic-Toc. Free party favors on New Year's Eve. $5; call 601-983-1148.

9 p.m.-1 a.m., New Year's Latin Blast at La Salsa Dance Club and Studio (303 Mitchell Ave.). Enjoy dancing inside and a campfire outside with free s'mores, hot chocolate and mulled wine. BYOB. $10 cover; call 601-213-6355.

9:30 p.m., NYE 2009 at Schimmel's (2615 N. State St.). Presented by Schimmel's and the Central Mississippi Blues Society. Free food while it lasts, and a Champagne toast at midnight. Music by Ben Payton, Pat Brown, Johnny Sharp and many others. $15, $25 couple; call 601-981-7077.

Friday, Jan. 1

9 p.m.-2 a.m., First Friday at Schimmel's (2615 N. State St.). Music by R&B vocalist Akami Graham. Upscale dress code strictly enforced. $10 with free entry and cocktails for first 50 people; call 601-502-6884.