Let's Ring In the New Year

You don't have to look far for fun events to help you celebrate the end of 2010 and the coming of 2011. Here's a round up of NYE parties, activities, and celebrations that offer a little something for everyone:

• Music at the Temple Theatre: For another New Year's Eve, Tommy Edwards & The Bluegrass Experience is playing their renowned bluegrass music starting at 8pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or by calling 774-4155.

• Glitz & Glam Celebration at Steele Street Cafe: Doors will open at 7pm, kitchen will be open until 10pm, and there will be a live DJ for this Hollywood-style party. No cover charge and free champagne toast at midnight!

• Sinners & Saints Masquerade Ball at the 103 Restaurant & Lounge: Bring your own mask or pick one up at the door for this party that starts at 6pm. There will be a DJ starting at 9pm and drink specials all night.

• NYE Party at The Flame Steakhouse: Take advantage of dinner specials and then ring in the new year with drink specials and music. Call 776-7111 for dinner reservations.

• Fire It Up with the Southern Brotherhood: If you're interested in motorcycles and music, use New Year's Eve as your opportunity to meet members of the Southern Brotherhood, a local motorcycle club known for its philanthropic efforts. Party starts at 8pm at the SBMC Clubhouse on Gunter Lakes Road and, yes, there will be fireworks.

• New Year's Bash at Black Belt Leadership Academy: Whether your child is currently enrolled in the academy or you just want them to get a feel for the organization, this is a great alternative to a babysitter. The bash starts at 6pm and kids don't have to be picked up until 8am the next morning. There will be pinatas, prize giveaways, movies, and martial arts training -- all for $40.

• New Year's Eve Party at Local Joe's Tap & Grill: Take advantage of drink specials, 50-cent jumbo wings (until 9pm), and a relaxed atmosphere at this annual celebration. And don't miss out on the free champagne toast at midnight!

Remember to drink responsibly, drive safely, and have fun!

Happy New Year!

Found on Facebook, Dec. 22

• Interested in beekeeping? The Harnett County Beekeepers Association is sponsoring a course that will run three nights and one morning in January and February. Registration is limited to 25 students, costs $15, and includes a book on beekeeping. Contact Don at (910) 797-4561 or dferrara@charter.net to learn more!

• Want to bless others this Christmas? Volunteer your time or donate food for a dinner at Saint Luke UMC (11am-1pm, Christmas day) for more than 600 people who would otherwise be alone for the holiday. Contact the organize, Keli Connor, at keligssrn@aol.com to find out exactly how you can help.

• Know someone who's homeless or struggling financially? Encourage them to contact Diann Murphy (718-1597) at New Beginnings Counseling Services to RSVP for a free dinner from 6-8pm on Christmas day. Those who lack transportation can arrange for pick up and attendees under age 16 will also receive a toy.

Found on Facebook, Dec. 21

• Stocking stuffer alert: Head over to CVS and buy "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "The Year Without a Santa Claus," "Charlie Brown's Christmas Tales," or "The Polar Express." CVS and Warner Home Video will donate $5 for each of those videos purchased to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!

• Looking for something fun to do with the family tomorrow evening? The Halle Cultural Center in Apex is hosting a family movie night complete with pizza and dessert. They’re showing Toy Story 3 and the doors open at 5:30pm. Details here!

• There's a great article in today's The Sanford Herald about ways you and your family can give back this holiday season. Organizations still needing your help include Communities In Schools of Lee County, the Salvation Army, HAVEN, and the Christians United Outreach Center of Lee County.

Found on Facebook, Dec. 20

• If you're a night owl or insomniac, don't forget about the lunar eclipse tonight between 2am-3am. It's supposed to be pretty spectacular.

• Want to give the gift of fitness for the holidays? Rocky's Boxing, a full-service boxing gym, is offering a three-month membership for only $100! Classes and one-on-one training are included. Click here for more info.

• Here's another way to be a holiday elf: low-cost mobile spay-neuter clinic SNAP-NC needs donations, including distilled water, paper towels, and dish detergent. They are parked by PetSense today if you'd like to help them out.

Found on Facebook, Dec. 17-19

We'd love to post about your group's, church's, or organization's Christmas festivities, including cantatas, bells, etc. Please share your information with us at socialsanford@gmail.com or on our FB page!

Also, we're only 17 "likes" away from another giveaway. Suggest us to your friends and family for another chance to win!

Now on with the show:

• It's gonna be a cold winter, but you can keep energy costs low. Check out Home Performance NC, a local company specializing in energy audits. Their FB page offers efficiency and weatherization tips, tricks, and news.

• On Sunday Southern Jewelers is marking down every engagement ring by 60% off the regular price, as well as nothing down and 6 months of free financing. (!!!) Stop by the store or like their FB to learn about more great discounts just in time for the holidays!

• Want to go shoot stuff? Head over to Deep River Sporting Clays & Shooting School for a 60-target Compak Sporting event. No entry fee, just regular target fees. Everyone is welcome!

• If you'll be shopping at Sears Hometown Sanford today, be sure to print out the FB coupon for $15 off a $40+ purchase. That's an awesome deal!

• Help the Christians United Outreach Center of Lee County this holiday by donating toys and canned food. Call them at 774-8485 to find out about drop-off locations.

• You, too, can be a holiday elf just by making a new FB friend. If the Landmark Breakfast Shop gets 500 friends by Christmas, their employees will get Christmas Eve off! And the 437th friend gets a free breakfast for two! [They were 158 friends away when we posted this but are now at +516!]

Found on Facebook, Dec. 14-16

• There's a new place to donate your coats. The Real Agents of Harnett County and M.A.D Moving are collecting coats for children and adults. Click over to Project: Coat Check for details!

• Parents and students -- Project Tomorrow's annual Speak Up survey closes tomorrow. This is you opportunity to share what is important to you when it comes to education. Go make your voices heard!

• The Communities In Schools of Lee County's Back Pack Pals program will need help with their holiday packing tomorrow starting at 9am. Send an email to cisleedirector@windstream.net if you can pitch in.

• New in town and looking to make friends with other families? There's a new play group for at-home or working parents of toddlers. Learn more at this link. (And if you have a playgroup that's open to new folks, let us know and we'll create a blog guide.)

• The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth program is currently taking applications. This is a great opportunity for at-risk youth (ages 14-21) to gain education and job skills while earning money. Call 718-4650 ext 5543 for an eligibility checklist and application!

• Making plans for the weekend? Consider participating in Balloons for Jesus, a balloon release to celebrate the birth of Jesus scheduled for this Saturday at 3pm. All details are at the link!

• Barring inclement weather, CCCC Pittsboro campus library is holding a free holiday program for kids on Friday (7pm) that includes a performance of "Rough Night at the North Pole." Seating is limited, so reserve your spot by calling (919) 545-8085.

• Looking for the perfect gift? Try finding it at Sanford's newest bookstore -- Books at a Steal! Head over tomorrow at 3pm for the ribbon cutting ceremony, which will offer refreshments, giveaways, and a special appearance by Santa (who'll also read The Night Before Christmas).

• Looking to do something fun tonight? Go see the General Assembly Chorus' "Songs of the Season" concert at The Temple Theatre Company tonight starting at 7pm. The cost is $20 per adult and $10 for students.

• Tramway Fire Department is holding a live auction for the Noble Foundation on Saturday at R&W Auction House. You can donate items by dropping them off at the FD by Friday (5pm). Just ask for Matt.

• Support the Chatham OutReach Alliance food pantry by attending "Check, Please," a production of the CCCC theatre students at General Store Cafe in Pittsboro tomorrow at 6:30pm. You'll get music, hors d'oeuvres, a gourmet meal, dessert, and comedy all for $25. Call Jenn at (919) 542-2432 or email her at jenn@thegeneralstorecafe.com for details or tickets.

Found on Facebook, Dec. 11-13

• Bad news: Tea Room Treasures is closing its doors on Friday. Good news: Everything's at least 50%! The furniture is on sale, too -- so get over there in the next few days or lose out on a great bargain!

• Planning to spread the holiday cheer by way of tasty confections? Order from Amy's Confection Company today and you'll get 10% off your order of $10 or more using the code MERRYCHRISTMAS (local orders only). This is the perfect time to place a large order!

• Looking to donate your coats? Communities In Schools of Lee County is collecting them for local families and school children. Check this link to see the sizes they need now. You can drop off coats at CIS' office inside the Chamber of Commerce.

• If you haven't liked La Chic Boutique of Sanford, NC, now's the time -- they're giving away a $20 Walmart gift certificate on Dec. 15 to one of their "fans." And if you suggest them to your family/friends, you'll get two chances to win!

Found on Facebook, Dec. 8-10

Sorry for the few recaps this week. There's been a nasty bug in the house ... but we're all healed up and ready for action.

• Tomorrow is the 2nd Saturday of the month, which means it's time for the 2nd Saturday cookout at the Raleigh Exec Jetport from 12pm-1pm. This is a great way to meet local pilots, Wings of Carolina Flying Club members, and others interested in aviation!

• Make time for the Christmas celebration and parade in Broadway tomorrow. The fun starts at 10:30am and will include vendors, music, food, and performances. And the NC State Mascots will stop by for a visit around noon!

• Recognize and honor area veterans and soldiers by attending the Gold Star Mothers' wreath-laying ceremony at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery tomorrow at noon. The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and Rolling Thunder will escort the wreaths to the cemetery, and a bugler and bagpiper will provide music.

• Head over to Carolina Trace Fire Department on Hwy 87 tomorrow morning for all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage plus coffee or orange juice from 8am-11am. The cost is $5 and proceeds benefit the Noble Foundation.

• If you have a lil' princess on your Christmas list then click over to the Crooked Pigtails Facebook page to take advantage of her 1/2 off sample sale! Limited sizes and styles available but the quality is exceptional! Hurry before they are all gone!

• Get the majority of your holiday shopping done in one fell swoop at "Christmas on the Boulevard" on DEC 11 from 10am-4pm. Vendors from home-based businesses like The Pampered Chef, Avon, Princess House and more will be at the Horner Plaza beside T-Mobile.

• Santa is stopping by Boomers Party & Play on Dec. 11 from 4pm-7pm. Take the kids, their wish lists, and your camera for a few hours of holiday fun!

• Greenwood Elementary is having a "Military Appreciation Night" and is seeking photos of local military families or "holiday wishes" from deployed service members to local students and families for a slide show. If you can contribute, send an email to Angie at agaraley@windstream.net.

• Make sure to put Communities In Schools of Lee County on your holiday shopping lists. Their BackPack Pals program sends home lots of food for needy families to help sustain them over the winter break. Their largest need this year is cereal, peanut butter, and mac-and-cheese. Here’s a full list!

• It’s Santa Paws time again! Bring your pooch or kitty to get a photo taken with Santa on Dec. 11 or 12 from 10am-4pm in the space next to Kimbrells in downtown Sanford. The cost is $5 per photo. Details here!

• Now's the time to check out Brickcity Childcare Center! They are enrolling for the 2011 year and have a cool space for kids' parties, including an indoor play structure, video games, foosball, and more. Call 775-1916 for prices or to reserve the room!

Found on Facebook, Dec. 4-5

Don't forget about the Sanford Christmas Parade tomorrow! It starts at 7pm and will run through downtown Sanford. We wrote a guide to local parades, so check it out for details on other parades.

And there's the Santa Watch. If we don't have an event listed that we should, let us know via email at socialsanford@gmail.com.

Now on with the show:

• The deadline to reserve your spot for the Central Carolina Jaycees' Gingerbread Houses & Santa Pictures event is Monday. Prebuilt houses (decorate only) are $8 and unbuilt houses (build and decorate) are $5. Email them to place your order.

• Make sure you get out to the "Earth" themed orchestra concert today (4pm and 8pm) at the Arts & Community Center. Then take your receipt over to La Dolce Vita Pizzeria tomorrow through Wednesday so that 20% of your meal price is donated to the orchestra!

• The Town of Broadway is kicking off the holiday season with Christmas in the Park at the Veterans Memorial this afternoon at 5pm. There will be caroling, a telling of the Christmas story, and lighting the tree.

• The Sanford Depot turns 100!! celebration is today at 5:30pm at The Temple Theatre Company in downtown Sanford. It promises to be a great time for everyone, and it's free. Go and enjoy!

Found on Facebook, Dec. 3

Thanks for the feedback on these round ups. I'll continue doing them as long as y'all continue wanting them!

As of right now, there are 1,511 Socialites. Woohoo! That means we're only 39 "likes" away from yet another giveaway. Tell everyone you know about the blog and the Facebook page. The more Socialites there are, the more great events we'll be able to share!

And don't forget to check out our Santa Watch post. It's a guide to all the different places and ways your family can meet and grab a photo with Santa this year. If your event isn't on the list, let us know about it and we'll get it added.

Without further ado:

• The Lee County Community Orchestra is performing works by Dvorak, Zimmer, and Mussorgsky as well as Handel's Halleluja Chorus with the Lee County Community Singers tomorrow at 4pm and 8pm at the Arts & Community Center. Admission is free!

• Our Santa roundup has already been updated to include more holiday fun. Click this link to find out where Santa Roo will be tomorrow and to learn about Santa's workshop! And don't forget the tree lighting and Santa photo opp tonight in Depot Park.

• Guess what time it is? GIVEAWAY TIME!!! The Temple Theatre Company is giving one random Socialite 2 TICKETS to see A CHRISTMAS CAROL! And the winner is .......... DIANE LARSON!

• The Harnett County Holiday Fair is today from 10am-7pm at the Governmental Complex (Cornelius Harnett Blvd, Lillington). Go see the local vendors like Kayteedids and get some more of that holiday shopping done.

Santa Watch 2010

This year has flown by, but that's good news for the little ones in our lives who anxiously await Santa's arrival each year. Make sure you get a great photo of your kids with the big guy this year by catching up with him (or one of his helpers) at these local events:

Friday, December 3
Head downtown to see Santa ride in on a firetruck. Stick around to light the city Christmas tree and get a photo with Santa.
Cost: Free (you take your own)
Where: Depot Park, Sanford
When: Starting at 5:45pm

Saturday, December 4
● Eat your fill of pancakes and sausage with Santa and take home a 5x7 photo.
Cost: $5 per photo
Where: Jonesboro UMC, corner of Main Street and Woodland Avenue, Sanford
When: 8am-11am

● Bring the kids to explore Santa's workshop and Candy Cane Lane. Bring your camera for photos!
Cost: Free (you take your own)
Where: Jackson Brothers BBQ & Produce, US 1 South, Sanford
When: 2pm-4pm

● Satisfy your sweet tooth while visiting with Santa. This new hot spot has a full espresso and coffee bar, an ice cream bar, gourmet candy and couture lollipops!
Cost: $5 per photo, $15 with frame
Where: The Candy Mill, Main Street, Broadway
When: 12pm-3pm
Note: Take your receipt from The Candy Mill over to The Feedmeal and get 10% off your lunch!

● Meet Santa's newest helpers: Mr. and Mrs. Santa Roo! They and a few of Santa's elves will be visiting with children, and parents get free Bean Street coffee while the kids have fun. Look for them in the roped off area outside.
Cost: $per photo or $5 for 3 photos
Where: Kangaroo Express, 2062 Horner Blvd (across from Biscuitville), Sanford
When: 10am-2pm
Note: All pictures are wallet size with a magnetic back. Proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life American Cancer Society.

● Children can visit with Santa and take home a 5x7 photo.
Cost: Free
Where: Walmart Garden Center, Horner Boulevard, Sanford
When: 10am-2pm

Sunday, December 5
● Enjoy refreshments, games, and prizes -- and get your photo taken with Santa.
Cost: $3 per person
Where: Stevens Center, 1576 Kelly Drive, Sanford
When: 10am-2pm
Note: You must call ahead and reserve your spot! The number is 776-4048.

● Bring the kids to explore Santa's workshop and Candy Cane Lane. Bring your camera for photos!
Cost: Free (you take your own)
Where: Jackson Brothers BBQ & Produce, US 1 South, Sanford
When: 2pm-4pm

● Ride the train with Santa! Bring your camera to snap a photo with Santa as he walks through the rail cart.
Cost: $10 per adult, $7 per child
Where: New Hope Valley Railway, New Hill, NC
When: 4pm-5pm
Note: All other times slots are sold out and this one will go fast, as well.

Friday, December 10
● Bring the kids to explore Santa's workshop and Candy Cane Lane. Bring your camera for photos!
Cost: Free (you take your own)
Where: Jackson Brothers BBQ & Produce, US 1 South, Sanford
When: 5pm-7pm

Saturday, December 11
● The Central Carolina Jaycees invite everyone to come build gingerbread houses (or decorate pre-built ones). Children/families can get their photos taken with Santa during the event.
Cost: $5 per photo ($5 for unbuilt house; $8 for pre-built)
Where: Jaycee Hut, 809 Tryon Street, Sanford
When: December 11, 12pm-2pm
Note: You must pre-register and there are only 60 slots available. Call (919) 356-6360 to reserve your spot.

● Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption invites you to bring your pets (and your kids) to get their photos taken with Santa.
Cost: $5 per photo
Where: Space next to Kimbrells, Moore Street, Sanford
When: December 11 and 12, 10am-4pm

● Ride the train with Santa! Bring your camera to snap a photo with Santa as he walks through the rail cart.
Cost: $10 per adult, $7 per child
Where: New Hope Valley Railway, New Hill, NC
When: 4pm-5pm
Note: All other times slots are sold out and this one will go fast, as well.

● Take the kids out to bounce off excess energy for a few hours of holiday fun. Santa will be in attendance, so bring your camera for this free photo opportunity.
Cost: Free (you take your own)
Where: Boomers Party & Play, Tramway Road, Sanford
When: 4pm-7pm

● Bounce and play in between hanging out with Santa.
Cost: Price of admission (parents free); take your own photo
Where: Sanford's Family Fun Zone, Rand Street
When: 5pm-8pm

Sunday, December 12
● Bring the kids to explore Santa's workshop and Candy Cane Lane. Bring your camera for photos!
Cost: Free (you take your own)
Where: Jackson Brothers BBQ & Produce, US 1 South, Sanford
When: 2pm-4pm

● Ride the train with Santa! Bring your camera to snap a photo with Santa as he walks through the rail cart.
Cost: $10 per adult, $7 per child
Where: New Hope Valley Railway, New Hill, NC
When: 4pm-5pm
Note: All other times slots are sold out and this one will go fast, as well.

Wednesday, December 15
● Bring the kids to explore Santa's workshop and Candy Cane Lane. Bring your camera for photos!
Cost: Free (you take your own)
Where: Jackson Brothers BBQ & Produce, US 1 South, Sanford
When: 5pm-7pm

Saturday, December 18 
● Bring the kids to explore Santa's workshop and Candy Cane Lane. Bring your camera for photos!
Cost: Free (you take your own)
Where: Jackson Brothers BBQ & Produce, US 1 South, Sanford
When: 2pm-4pm

● Bounce and play inbetween hanging out with Santa.
Cost: Price of admission (parents free); take your own photo
Where: Sanford's Family Fun Zone, Rand Street
When: 2pm-5pm

Saturday, December 19
● Bring the kids to explore Santa's workshop and Candy Cane Lane. Bring your camera for photos!
Cost: Free (you take your own)
Where: Jackson Brothers BBQ & Produce, US 1 South, Sanford
When: 2pm-4pm

Wednesday, December 22
● Bring the kids to explore Santa's workshop and Candy Cane Lane. Bring your camera for photos!
Cost: Free (you take your own)
Where: Jackson Brothers BBQ & Produce, US 1 South, Sanford
When: 1pm-3pm

Throughout December:
● Santa may show up in downtown Sanford on Sundays leading up to Christmas. Make sure you have you camera ready!
Cost: Free (you take your own)
Where: Shops of Steele Street, corner of Carthage and Steele Streets, Sanford
When: Sundays in December, random times between 1pm-6pm

Do you know of a Santa event that's not on our list? Let us know via email or comment and we'll make sure to spread the word!

Found on Facebook, Dec. 2

Hello there! After a couple weeks' absence, the nightly Facebook recap is back. Please let me know -- whether it's via email or blog comment or Facebook comment -- if these recaps are helpful. If they aren't, I won't worry with them.

With that said, here's what you missed on Facebook today:

• If you're free tonight, take the kids over to J. Glenn Edwards on Cemetery Road for "Focus on the Family" -- a fun and educational experience for parents and kids. There will be free pizza for dinner and babysitting for kids over age 4!

• We'll be publishing a list of "Santa photo" opportunities in Sanford this season. Leave a comment with all the details if you want to be included!

• Get some of your gift shopping done tomorrow at the Holiday Open House and Shopping Spree! Vendors include Amy's CandyGirl Crafts and Amy's Confection Company, 31 with Emily Page, Endless Possibilities, and more. Eat, shop, and win great door prizes!

• Only 12 "likes" away from another giveaway ... and this one has a fantastic Christmas theme that you won't want to miss. Spread the word about SocialSanford!!!

• The Sanford Christmas Parade is just a few days away (Monday night, 7pm). Check out today's The Sanford Herald for a great article about this year's parade!