OAKHURST – Final touches are underway for celebrating New Year’s Eve at the Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO) on Monday, Dec. 31, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight.
Billed as “A Sensible Celebration,” the evening promises a perfect blend of socializing, dining and dancing for adults seeking a night of nostalgic fun.The cost for dinner is $29 a la carte, and accommodations are available for an overnight stay.
Reservations are required for the relaxed yet intimate affair, and can be made as late as 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, by calling (559) 683-8162.
Program Coordinator Kristen Hobbs was busy finalizing last-minute plans when she stopped to share details about the celebration, set to take place in Lyles Hall, the main dining room at ECCO.
“It’s a great place to come and enjoy a more laid back atmosphere and a smaller crowd,” said Hobbs. “Your DJ won’t be giving you hip hop, it will be more classic songs to dance to, sing to, and reminisce to.”
In addition to local visitors, guests from the Road Scholar program will be on hand to enjoy the festivities. Road Scholar is a not-for-profit leader in education travel since 1975, and offers 6,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. ECCO is a Road Scholar host.
All attendees will begin the night with refreshments on arrival. “You can expect appetizers and a nice social gathering with the fireplace going,” Hobbs added, “We hope people will feel like they’re at home away from home.”
Games and activities led by Hobbs will include bingo and perhaps some silly hat making.
“We often have people break out the cribbage and we also have chess, checkers and puzzles. That’s very normal for us, for people to do their own thing,” Hobbs explained, “but I will be leading the bingo!”
Dinner reservations include a choice of prime rib or lemon herb salad, along with roasted red potatoes, vegetables, rolls and Hobbs’ must-have, a chocolate fondue fountain. Dining begins at 7:30 p.m.
Starting at 8 p.m., Yosemite Entertainment and Spin City DJ Eric Hagen will provide great music for dancing and singing and a “New York Midnight” toast will be raised at 9 p.m. And if you’ve booked an overnight stay, you can dance and play the night away knowing your comfortable lodge room is just steps away.
Complete your stay with a delicious brunch on New Year’s Day at 10 a.m., and a late check-out at noon.
ECCO organizers encourage everyone to enjoy a warm fireplace, great food, games, dancing and singing with cheerful friends for a Sensible Celebration this December 31st. Like-minded guests are welcome in pairs or single.
“We’re that kind of place,” Hobbs said, “We want you to come here and be part of our family.”
ECCO retreat offers lodging, conference rooms, meals, programs and recreational activities, and is located just two miles north of Oakhurst, and 12 miles south of Yosemite at 43803 Highway 41.
