Party 2010 away in Clark County

Some prefer to ring in the New Year with a quiet toast in the comfort of their own home. But those who favor a New Year’s Eve blast off have serious options to consider: A family outing? A group date? Party of two? Going out stag?

Restaurants and lounges are preparing to give 2011 a warm welcome — no matter how cold it is outside. You might want to prepare to make your rounds from a bluesy funk to a masquerade ball and even get a feel for the celebration Irish style. Here are some options.

• Big Al’s: The family-friendly bowling and restaurant lounge is offering special bowling packages from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Power House Lanes are available for four guests at $100 per lane. Each additional bowler is $25. Slider Alley Lanes are also available for four guests at $150 per lane. Each additional bowler is $40. Lanes are restricted to a maximum of six players.

The package includes bowling for three hours, shoe rental, party favors and midnight toast of champagne for guests 21 years and older, and cider for underage guests.

Big Al’s is also known for its 8-by-36-foot screen that stretches out across the bar. Guests can watch the Times Square ball drop on the screen and celebrate with a balloon drop in the main foyer.

Kids can play in the arcade while adults enjoy the happy hour menu along with billiards and the 22-foot shuffleboard in the bar area.

Where: 16615 S.E. 18th Ave., Vancouver.

Cost: Price to bowl varies by lane, size of group.

Information: http://ilovebigals.com/vancouver, 360-944-6118.

• Brickhouse Bar and Grill: A little mystery, a huge adventure. At least, that’s Brickhouse’s aim for the masquerade-themed evening. Guests are invited to dress accordingly. There will be live music from 13 Cent Bob and Syndicate. Minors are welcome in the restaurant until 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy billiards and dart-boards and watch the ball drop on the 15-by-15-foot projector screen.

Where: 109 W. 15th St., Vancouver.

Cost: Price of food and drinks.

Information: http://vancouverbrickhouse.com, 360-695-3686.

• Cascade Bar & Grill: For a blues and funk celebration, try Cascade from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Well-known local blues musician Lloyd Jones will be the featured artist of the evening. There will be a full food and drink menu. Guests will receive party favors and champagne for the midnight toast. Billiards are also available. Guests must be 21 years and older.

Where: 15000 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver.

Cost: $10 cover charge, plus food and drinks.

Information: http://thecascadebarandgrill.com, 360-254-0749.

• Christian Youth Theater: For another family-friendly option, you might consider the Christian Youth Theater New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

The local youth theater group’s event, for those ages 5 and older, will include a DJ, dancing, refreshments, games, prizes, and silent and live auctions. Teens, children and adults can mingle or spend time in separate age-group specific areas.

Where: Northwest Baptist Convention Center, 3200 N.E. 109th Ave., Vancouver.

Cost: $15 per person.

Information: 360-750-8550 or http://cytvanport.org.

• Dodge City Bar & Grill: Dodge City is the place to be for those looking for the typical nightclub scene from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. The lounge will feature a special dinner of prime rib with champagne and shrimp cocktail at $30 for two. Party favors and champagne will be available to guests for the midnight countdown. Dancing will be a main feature with music from DJ Drama. Guests must be 21 years and older.

Where: 4520 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver.

Cost: $15 cover charge, plus food and drinks.

Information: 360-597-3616.

• Irishtown Bar & Grill: The New Year’s Eve bash at Irishtown will feature New Shilling, the Northwest’s top Irish band, and Crash Sunday, a classic rock band. The celebration will be from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Kids are welcome until 9 p.m. Billiards and dart-boards will be available for guests.

Admission includes a midnight buffet, party favors to ring in 2011, champagne for the midnight toast and door prizes. There may be a ball drop.

Where: 11600 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver.

Cost: $15.

Information: 360-253-1479.

• 2010 Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Ball: Those looking for an event with a bigger purpose might enjoy the second annual Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Ball from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. The semi-formal, business casual event will be at the Hilton Convention Center downtown.

The event raises funds for charity. This year’s proceeds will benefit the Everybody Plays scholarship program through the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation department. The program focuses on helping low-income families to participate in after-school activities and programs.

Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, party favors, a no-host bar, a midnight toast, dancing and live music from Sonny Hess, Lady Kat and the Smokin’ True Blue Band. The silent auction includes dinner cruises, wine tours, airplane rides and certificates for children from local businesses.

Guests will also be able to watch the ball drop event in New York.

Where: Hilton Vancouver Washington, 301 W. Sixth St., Vancouver.

Cost: $95.

Information: http://vancouvermayorevents.com.

• Vancouver’s New Year’s Eve Gala: For those who prefer Vancouver’s former mayor over the person currently in that office, Royce Pollard will attend Vancouver’s New Year’s Eve Gala just down the hall from the Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Ball. The gala, which runs 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., will benefit the Greater Clark County Rotary Foundation and YWCA Clark County.

The Arthur Murray Dancers will perform from 8 to 9 p.m.; Patrick Lamb will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Guests can snack from a gourmet buffet and opt to participate in an optional wine raffle. Champagne will pour and balloons will drop at midnight. A large-screen television will show the New York ball drop.

Where: Hilton Vancouver Washington, 301 W. Sixth St., Vancouver.

Cost: $125 at the door.

Information: http://ticketsoregon.com or http://newyearseve-vancouverwa.org.