New Year's Eve events being held in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- In Fresno, several groups are preparing for large crowds on New Year's Eve, and some people are taking part in rituals.

They're preparing signature drinks and painting the stage all set for the big event -- New Year's Eve '69 -- in Downtown Fresno at Fulton 55.

"I think we're going to do this part in the spirit of the '60s, so it's going to be gaudy, a little over the top," said Mathr De Leon, organizer of New Year's Eve '69.

The popular event is back with funk, soul and lots of music.

If you're single and ready to mingle in the new year, the Fresno Speed Daters and Singles group is hosting dinner, music and dancing at Smugglers.

"It's going to be a hopping place for just about anybody that wants to celebrate New Year's and not sit at home on the couch," said Dave Crosby, a New Year's DJ.

The new year also comes with traditions. One common ritual that comes from the south is eating black-eyed peas.

"For prosperity, good fortune. It's an old wives' tale, but why not try it out?" said Shayna Telesmanic with the Young Chefs Academy.

Chef Shayna showed Action News how to make a black-eyed peas parfait at home with your family.

Click here for the recipe

People around the world celebrate the new year with unique traditions. In Argentina, people step forward with their right foot, hoping to start the new year off right. In Colombia, people walk around the block with an empty suitcase hoping for a year full of travels. And in Spain, they partake in 12 uvas, eating a grape every time the bell strikes at midnight hoping for prosperity.

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For more information about the events in Fresno, click on the following links:

NYE '69 at Fulton 55: http://abc30.tv/1x5AyLg

New Year's Eve party at Smugglers: http://abc30.tv/1y7UDls

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If you plan to drink while celebrating the new year -- please don't drive. AAA is offering their Tipsy Tow program. Starting at 6 p.m. through 6 a.m., you can call 1-800-222-4357 for a ride home -- and you don't have to be AAA member. It's also free up to ten miles.