Variety of celebrations will welcome 2019 across southwest Michigan

Published 9:50 am Thursday, December 27, 2018

People across Michiana can ring in the new year without having to travel far to celebrate. For those looking for things to do, here are few ways to welcome 2019.

Buchanan

Orchard Hills New Year’s Eve Party

DPM Events will kick off this event at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at Orchard Hills Country Club, 2841 Niles-Buchanan Road.

Those who attend can listen to live music performed by Hey Girl Hey, a regional party band. A photo booth, cash bar, party favors and snacks will be part of the celebration. A champagne toast will take place at midnight.

Randy Hendrixson, the event organizer and founder of DPM Events, said he wanted to host an event that would be close to home.   

“For us we are always competing with the big sister to the south, South Bend and Mishawaka. You are always fighting big crowds and large groups,” Hendrixson said. “So our main focus for this was to do something a little smaller scale, but with still the sophistication and snazziness of a higher end New Year’s Eve event.”

Hendrixson expressed gratitude for the partnership with Orchard Hills.

“We partnered with Orchard Hills Country Club to do this so that it was kind of like a good partnership for both of us,” Hendrixson said. “They typically close for the season the week of Christmas and this year they are open an extra week for us to host this event and ring in the new year.”

Those who purchased $40 all-inclusive tickets Friday, Dec. 21 will have access to an all-you-can-eat dinner, cooked by chef Tim Carrigan, in addition to other party amenities. General admission tickets are $25. Tickets can be purchased by visiting DPM Event’s Facebook page.

Also in Buchanan, Wheatberry Tavern will serve its regular menu, plus a special New Year’s Eve menu. Reservations can be made by calling: (269) 697-0043.

Niles

Bust out the platform sandals, because Front Street Pizza Pub is taking a blast to the past to ring in the new year.

The It’s a ‘90s Throwback Party with GenX will take place from 9 p.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1. GenX is described by fans as a “high-energy” ‘90s-style cover band that plays rock, pop and hip-hop music. Front Street Pizza Pub is known locally for its pizza and beer. The restaurant is located at 501 N. Front St.