Those celebrating the new year tonight might not realize how much area businesses have done to prepare for the party atmosphere.
Additional staff at downtown establishments will help ensure revelers are not overdoing their celebrations.
"We will have about 15 to 20 different security persons that will be on (duty). On top of that, all bartenders have gone through responsible alcohol management training and managers have been schooled as well," said Ryan Troutman, general manager of The Cell Block.
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Elsa Magaro, manager at CA Reed Party Outlet, 416 W. Third St., replenishes merchandise that has been selling quickly. Party supply places are stocking up on decorations and favors for New Year’s Eve bashes.
"As always, we just try to have bartenders stay sensitive to (the intoxication levels of patrons). Most people are trained with alcohol-responsible alcohol management programs, which is through the state. We also offer non-alcoholic beverages and always encourage others to bring a designated driver," said Steve Koch, manager and co-owner of the Bullfrog Brewery.
"We have been decorating, pre-saling tickets, increasing orders, getting champagne glasses ready and increased the staff for the large amounts of people we are expecting. We are going to give it a facelift. There will be a lot of candlelight and red color everywhere. It'll look more classy," Troutman said.
"We might be heavier staffed. Other than that, we buy a lot more champagne than usual," Koch said.
Smaller get-togethers may mean many will be looking to feed their guests. New Year's Eve is the second busiest pizza-and-wings night of the year, according to Kathy Robbins, owner of Pudgies Pizza on Lycoming Creek Road.
"It is our biggest night of the year aside from the Super Bowl. A lot of extra help will be working. Extra things that had to be ordered in preparation were mozzarella cheese, flour, tomato products - because we make our own sauce - wings and extra pizza boxes. We have to be as prepared as we can be," Robbins said.
Even those who plan to celebrate at home rely on the foresight of local suppliers.
Local party supply stores have stocked up on party favors and supplies, as well as utensils and dishes for intimate gatherings that will welcome in the new year.
"To prepare for New Year's Eve, we do lots of balloons for people. We also rent out china, glassware and linen for people that want to do things a little more dressy. We sell New Year's Eve party favors and the kits come complete with the hats and noise makers and things like that," said Lori Johnson, co-owner of Any Event in Williamsport.
One important thing some party supply retailers are doing - in light of the economy - is keeping prices low.
"The most important thing is to keep the prices down so people can have a New Year's party," said Elsa Magaro, manager at CA Reed Party Outlet in Williamsport. "I deal with the retail end and get everything out for the people who buy the paper products and decorations for their parties."
