And before we knew it … it was New Year’s Eve, a.k.a. Dec. 31. A new decade – yes, there is a bit of controversy about this; some say because a decade is 10 years the true new year is 2021 since we’ve only had nine years in this current decade. Whatever. It’s a new year a-dawning, I think we can all agree on that!

Locally there are lots of great things to do during the day, should you have it off as well as Jan. 1, 2020. Great family activities (don’t forget the pupsters) outdoors: Hike, walk, or stroll at one of the Boothbay Region Land Trust preserves - the last day of the Land Trust’s Story Trail; walking the Ocean Point loop and climbing on the rocks; enjoying the views at Barrett’s Park and maybe a bit of Frisbee.

And, here’s what might be the coolest, most far-out venue for families and those of you out there who aren’t into the party scene: New Year’s at the Southworth Planetarium in Portland. From 6 to 11:45 p.m. at the planetarium see 11 shows – or as many as you wish - for the price of one: $7 - $10 is suggested. And you can stay til midnight to watch the Times Square ball drop on their full dome projector. 70 Falmouth St. 207-780-4249.

For party enthusiasts there are many venues in the Midcoast to ring in the New Year. Roaring 20s-themed parties are quite popular this year – imagine!

Here on our fair peninsula the Roaring ’20s place is the Boat House Bistro on the By-Way – costumes optional, but oh so fun! $100 gift card door prize. Full menu with special features served til 10 p.m., karaoke is 9 p.m. to closing.

On Pier 1, Taka Mediterranean will serve its regular menu and have live entertainment – TBA; with a complimentary toast at midnight; Pier 1 Pizza will also be toasting the New Year with champagne; prior to, there will be Jello shots; McSeagull’s is serving dinner til 9 p.m. and the bar will be open til last call.

The Footbridge Brewery is open noon to 8 p.m.; China By the Sea will be serving until 9 p.m.; Thistle Inn has a prefixed menu for New Year’s Eve being served from 4 to 10 p.m. Champagne toast at midnight, open til 1 a.m.

And remember: This service begins at 5 p.m. - Bo Bo’s Coastal Cabs’ No Excuses service begins at 5 p.m. to help ensure everyone gets home safely. Call 380-4182 – be patient as the night progresses!

Down Portland way at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant is a Roaring 20s party. Tunes by deejay Vortex, complimentary photo booth – how often do you dress like a flapper and fella? There’s a dessert buffet and champagne toast at midnight. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., 72 Commercial St.

Heading north, up Rockland way - the Time Out Pub, that great blues venue, is featuring live music by Mad Sounds Ent. The tunes go from 9 p.m. til 2 a.m. Over to the Trade Winds Inn it’s Mississippi’s Tullie Brae & Band playing from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. $30 for singles, $50 for couples. Call ASAP on this one. 207-596-6055.

And, if it’s blues you want, Papa Tim’s Desperate Man’s Blues Explosion (they played at the East Side Vibe during Boothbay Harbor Fest in September) are at the Spring Point Tavern in South Portland. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided from 9 to 11 p.m. Champagne toast, noise makers and the works. $5 cover after 8 p.m., 175 Benjamin W Pickett St.

Phew! Thank the Baby New Year most of us will begin 2020 with a day off!

A lot of us stay home or go to/have  a house party on New Year’s. A Twilight Zone fan? SyFy channel is broadcasting what has become a tradition: a three-day marathon - or watch the Rod Serling classics on Netflix; there are four New Year’s Eve music shows from Times Square on right up til the 2020 ball drops as it has since 1907, and 3,000 pounds of confetti falls.

After the ball ... it’s time for the last song of the year .... “Auld Lang Syne.”

Happy 2020 all ... and cheers!