LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In just a few short days, many people in Kentucky will ring in the New Year. That means, businesses are getting ready for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

What You Need To Know

  • Businesses are preparing for New Year's Eve celebrations

  • A Louisville business manager said he’s seeing a trend of more people planning to celebrate
  • This New Year's Eve aims to draw in a larger crowd

A Louisville business manager said he’s seeing a trend of more people planning to celebrate, unlike the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Traditionally, we do this at one of my other restaurants and we have a New Year’s Eve party like that,” said Bruce Jarrett, manager at Vernon Lanes. “So it’s sort of expected to have some sort of live music or entertainment. People can hang out, have a good time from here, maybe get on lanes (when) they free up at midnight or so.”

This New Year’s Eve aims to draw in a larger crowd.

“So for the past few years, obviously New Year’s Eve hasn’t been a big thing because even last year that COVID wave came through, so people didn’t — they decided to cancel or not go out,” Jarrett said.

A COVID-19 spike during the end of 2021 impacted businesses to not host big gatherings.

“We really didn’t do a whole lot last year as well. So but this year, I think people are out more. Hopefully, the COVID stays away and we all move on,” Jarrett said.

That, Jarrett said, has caused new trends on forecasting how to run a business where demand is up and more people are looking for activities.

“Yes. There’s a lot of people who have this week off between Christmas and new year so they have leisure time. So they’re here bowling with their kids and they’re with friends,” Jarrett said.

He said this is the first time they’re hosting a New Year’s Eve event.

“Because we are a destination place to come here to bowl, that’s really the biggest activity,” Jarrett said. “So building our music venue business downstairs on the Vernon Underground Bar where we’re having the party on Saturday night. Now that’s sort of a new thing. So we just want to introduce it to people. So New Year’s Eve was a great way to do that.” 

So you can say farewell to 2022 and strike in 2023.

“Happy New Year everyone, be safe,” Jarrett said.

Vernon Lanes will host muscial guest Most Wanted from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be a champagne toast, party favors and live music. Tickets are $25 to $45 online and at the door $30 to $50.

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