Ring in 2019 in America’s Highest City

Ring in 2019 in America’s Highest City

This Monday, Leadville’s neon lights on historic Harrison Avenue will shine bright, beckoning in the New Year. Here’s the annual Lead Vegas New Year’s Eve report about what’s going on in and around Leadville this Monday, Dec. 31. Happy 2019!

The Historic Pastime Bar & Cafe is holding a “Black & White” New Year’s Eve Ball. It’s time to dress up and show up! The only venue to offer live music, Mirage will be bringing it to the stage with all original music, country, rock, Spanish and classic rock! Let’s see your best 2018 dance moves or show party-goers what’s rocking for the New Year! You don’t wanna miss this show!  The Pastime, located at 120 West 2nd Street is the last remaining saloon on Old State Street, Leadville’s notorious Red Light District.

Treeline Kitchen will have their regular dinner service available until 10 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31. After that, the NYE Party will start.  Open to the 21+ crowd, for $65 per person, Treeline will offer bottomless champagne, appetizers all night, dancing, and party favors, all leading up to the countdown to Midnight. It’s reserved/limited seating, with advance tickets available for those who would like to guarantee a spot. The Treeline Kitchen is located at 615 Harrison Avenue in the Sayer McKee Plaza. Call to reserve: (719) 293-2200.

Celebrate the coming of the New Year with a day on the slopes at Ski Cooper, located 13 miles north of Leadville followed by music and a torchlight parade. Of course, the mountain will be open all day to skiers and boards but stick around for the party. The merriment starts at 3 p.m. with live music by Trading Fours at Katie O’Rourke’s Irish Pub located in the lodge. The celebration will include a torchlight parade down the Molly Mayfield trail at 6 p.m.

If you like your New Years Eve straight up without too much fanfare, then head over to the corner of 7th and Harrison Avenue where The Manhattan will be ringing in 2018 in its typical understated style.

Yes, they’ll be a champagne toast at midnight and you could find a party favor or two, but the music selection will be subject to whoever’s racking up the credits on the jukebox. The cherry on The Hat’s New Year’s Eve party is FREE pool. Come and ring in 2018 with the hardcore, longtime locals. It could be just the thing you need to shake things up in the New Year!

One of Leadville’s favorite Mexican Food spots will be open for dinner and drinks on Monday evening, offering a complimentary margarita toast to greet the New Year! Salud! The Grill Bar & Café is located at 715 Elm Street.

The Silver Dollar Saloon will be open for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, according to owner Eric Johns. Their doors usually swing open by noon, and while the bar doesn’t have much beyond a midnight toast planned to ring in 2019, there’s always plenty of locals hanging out to make for their own entertainment! Slainte!

If you’re looking to get out of town, then Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort might have just what you’re looking for – that is, if they haven’t sold out by now. Their NYE Party starts at 9 p.m. in The Pavilion located next to the lodge and hot springs. The New Year’s Eve Party in the Pavilion will have live music by La Pompe Jazz, appetizers and a champagne toast at midnight. Dinner in the clubhouse is already sold out with a waiting list, but $15 will get you in the door at the party to ring in 2019. Reservations required: 719-395-2447.

What will 2019 bring? Will it be sunny, bluebird skies or storm clouds over historic Harrison Avenue? Both! Photo: Jennifer Brown Rogowski

First Things First in 2019

Now that you’ve rung in the New Year, what’s next? Start off 2019 with a pint, some pigskin and a cooking pot at the New Year Onesies and Traditions Cooking Contest. Join the party on Tuesday, Jan. 1, at Periodic Brewing (Pb) starting at High Noon. Participation is strictly voluntary but fun as you get the group together, don your onesies and come drink the day relaxing and watching college football bowl games. And onesie-wearers will get their first draft pint 1/2 Off (excludes beer served in tulip glasses).
Then throw your oven mitt into the New Year’s Traditions Cooking Contest. Bring whatever you love to have on New Year’s Day. People’s Choice Competition to determine top 5 winners. Taste tickets (votes) will be collected in containers from 2 – 6 p. m. at which time the votes will be counted and winners will be announced at 6:30 p.m. The Pb founders have a tradition of making and eating Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day for Good Luck. This classic Southern dish, a one-pot meal of black-eyed peas, ham hock, and rice, is believed by many to ensure wealth and bring good luck in the upcoming year. Add a slice of cornbread, and you’ve got “peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold.”

Wherever the party, walk home, arrange a ride beforehand, or plan to stay the night. Begin 2019 wisely with responsible drinking and smart choices. See you out on the town! Happy New Year!