Celebrate the New Year locally

Editor's note: This story has been changed to include correct pricing for events.

Several local venues and organizations plan to help you welcome 2012 with a bang.

The United Way of Southeast Missouri is hosting its inaugural United We Rock New Year's Eve Party at The Venue Event Center in Cape Girardeau. The bands Mid-Life Crisis and Lawdogg will alternate performances throughout the evening with hors d'oeuvres served from 7 to 9 p.m. Attendees will be given complimentary party favors and champagne for a celebratory toast at midnight.

The event was created to raise awareness and money for the United Way of Southeast Missouri. It includes a live auction with items like a trip to Cancun and jewelry.

"We also have several other raffles going on and a giveaway for a Jeep Wrangler," said Heather Short, the communications and marketing director for the United Way.

A late-night snack will be served at 11 p.m., and shuttles will run from 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

"Between the decorations and lighting, we have worked very hard to plan this inaugural event and we guarantee it won't be like anything you've ever seen," Short said. The event will kick off at 7 p.m. and end around 1 a.m. Sunday. Ticket prices are $50 per person and available at the United Way.

Other groups in Southeast Missouri have put on their charity party hat. The second St. Jude New Year's Eve Benefit will be at the Arena Building.

"We are really excited to be having this event for a second year," said Tyson Moyers, the event co-sponsor. "Last year it was held at the Bavarian Halle. With the turnout we had and due to advertising and word-of-mouth we decided we needed a bigger location this year."

The doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Organizers plan to sell raffle tickets and hold a silent auction. There will also be a short live auction from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Music will be provided by The Big Ticket from Perryville, Mo., starting at 8 p.m. At the close of the event, from midnight to 2 a.m., transportation will also be provided for those who live in the Cape Girardeau and Jackson area. Tickets are $50 or $450 for a table of eight.

Ray's Plaza Conference Center will again hold its New Year's Eve Gala at 6 p.m. The $75 ticket entitles a person to the entire package: an appetizer buffet, dinner and the Jerry Ford Orchestra from 6 to 9 p.m. and music by Generation Gap from 9 until midnight. Tickets for dinner and music from 6 to 9 p.m. are $50 and tickets for the party-only portion from 9 p.m. to midnight are $30.

In downtown Cape Girardeau, the Pour House Pub will host a masquerade party at 7 p.m.

"There is no cover charge, and we are going to hand out masks when you walk through the door. We have lots of promotional prizes that will be given away," said Rodney Pobst, the owner of Pour House Pub. This year they decided to stray away from their black light party and go with a new theme to bring a big New York City feel to their event.

The Library will be hosting a black and white party with food and a DJ. This event starts at 8 p.m. The owner encourages people to dress up and make reservations. Tickets are $10 and include dinner and champagne to bring in the new year.

Events

Check semoevents.com for more information and more events.

Buckner Brewing Co.

Celebrate the new year with MOUTH and Headley Grange starting at 8:30 p.m. Free

Mixing 10

A New Year's Eve Party Ritz Style will put a little glitz in the town starting at 7 p.m. with Human Zoo at 9 p.m. $5

Pink Galleon

RIO will rock you into the new year with a show starting at 8:30 p.m. $5

Cape Eagles

Curtis Lyn Cook and Cowboy Scopus will ring in the new year with music, food and party favors starting at 7 p.m. $20

American Legion Hall

Ring in the new year with Reminisce at 8 p.m. and a meal at 7. $12 in advance; $15 at door.

Jackson Elks Lodge

New Year's Eve party with the Jimmy lee Band, finger foods and champagne at midnight, but the fun starts at 8 p.m. $20

Schock's Pub

Party on in Scott City with music and dance starting at 8 p.m. Free

Belly Up Bar & Grill

Ring in the new year in Oran, Mo., with Renegade Sound System, a midnight breakfast Buffet and champagne. Party starts at 8 p.m. $20