As the clock strikes midnight, Turlock proves year after year to be comparable to big city venues as one of the best places to ring in the New Year in the Central Valley. 

For years, the Turlock Pentecost Association’s New Year’s Eve dinner and dance at the Turlock Ballroom has been buzzing as a highly sought after celebration for guests of all ages.

“Guests can expect to ring in the New Year with a great family environment, festive theme, great food, music, and plenty of dancing,” said Turlock Pentecost Association president Johnnie Azevedo. 

This year’s theme is “glamour vintage”, which according to Azevedo will resemble that of the Great Gatsby. With the cost of the ticket, guests can enjoy mouthwatering appetizers, a fancy dinner, and music by Marson Brothers DJ Service. 

Additionally, those 21 and older with valid identification can opt to enjoy the open bar. 

“I’ve gone as a guest for several years,” reported Azevedo. “This is a great way for local people to go have a party where they feel like they’re not in town. You’re surrounded by a lot of friends and family, so you can just enjoy the night.” 

Starting at 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy a sociable cocktail hour with close friends and family, followed by a steak and shrimp dinner at 7:30 p.m. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests are encouraged to dance to music to start the New Year off right. 

Azevedo anticipates approximately 420 guests at this year’s event. As of Monday, the president has already sold 380 tickets.

The Turlock Ballroom is located at 528 N. Golden State Blvd. Those interested in purchasing tickets can contact Azevedo at 678-1965. Tickets cost $50 for adults and $25 for teens ages 13 to 20. Children under the age of 12 will be admitted at no cost.  

“I don’t think the price tag is too much, since you’ll have all kinds of food and drinking, as well as time with your kids, family, and friends all together,” said Turlock Pentecost Association former president Bobby Estacio. “This is a great evening to talk about the past year and prepare for the upcoming year.” 

Additionally, Toscana’s Ristoranté in Turlock is having its own New Year’s Eve celebration filled with great food, drinks, great company, and dancing. 

“We are definitely a destination point,” said event and marketing director Kim Gaynor. “We have excellent food and we have a fun bartender.”

According to Gaynor, a $60 ticket will give each guest a choice of appetizer, salad, entrée, dessert, and either champagne or wine. There will also be a D.J. to initiate a night of dancing beginning at 9 p.m. 

“The event will go until people stop partying,” said Gaynor. “We just want everybody to have a happy and safe New Years Eve.” 

 Dinner will start at 5 p.m. and will be served until 11 p.m. Toscano’s Ristoranté is located at 1801 Colorado Ave #190. For more information, call 216-3555. 

Right outside of Turlock, Larsa Banquet Hall will be holding its fourth annual New Year’s Eve Celebration that will leave guests dancing far into 2015. According to office manager Kathy Mirza, the night will encompass plenty of fun, with its inclusion of dancing, eating, and drinking. 

“We wanted the Assyrian community to come together and celebrate all under one roof,” said Mirza. “We’ve had a lot of requests for an event like this before.”

This year’s theme is “Assyrian Festive”, and guests will be treated to a fun filled evening with a live band, Edmond Ternian, and D.J. Noel. Guests will also enjoy a seven-course meal, which includes appetizer and dessert. 

Tickets are available for $70 for adults, $60 for students, and a babysitting service is available for children ages two through ten for $40. Children under the age will be admitted at no cost. 

Larsa Banquet Hall is located at 2107 E. Monte Vista Ave in Denair. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 634-7096.