Safely Celebrate 2008
(edited for content)

By TONYA SMITH-KING

Some places in West Tennessee got their New Year's Eve celebrations off to an early start over the weekend. But there are plenty of activities remaining for tonight.

On Friday, December 28th, the Dickson Gallery of Fine Art in Jackson hosted a "New Year's Eve, Eve, Eve, Eve" celebration with new artwork, champagne toasts and live music.

Then, on Saturday, Big Kahuna's held a "Pre-New Year's Eve Party," complete with party favors, a balloon drop and champagne toasts. The event was for those who aren't able to celebrate the New Year's tonight for whatever reason, including having to work Tuesday, disc jockey Lee Frazier said last week.

Big Kahuna's will have its regular celebration tonight for a $20 per person cover charge.

"We have plenty of security," Frazier said. "We're watching folks very carefully."

Designated drivers have to pay to get in but do get sodas and bottled water free, Frazier said.

Some places offering celebrations, such as Barley's, have made arrangements to offer rides home to patrons who get a little too tipsy to drive. But for nightclubs, restaurants and other venues that haven't made such arrangements, Mann's Wrecker & Tire Service will be offering its "Arrive Alive" program for the second year.

Those in the Jackson-Madison County area needing a ride home may call 424-2173 between 9 p.m. today and 2 a.m. Tuesday. Mann's also will tow their vehicles home at no cost, said Gary Mann, who owns the company with his mother, Shirley.

Mann's sons, Garrett and Grant, also work with the company, which has been in business for 35 years. Almost everyone has been touched by a drunk-driving incident, Gary Mann said.

"I just thought that would be a good gesture if we could just for one night get them home," he added. "Maybe, we could hold down on the drunk-driving incidents."