When thinking of traditional New Year’s Eve festivities, visions of partying with friends, sparkling decorations and watching the ball drop in New York City’s Time Square come to mind. Despite Ohio University Bobcats being home for break, Athens businesses and locals still knew how to throw a thrilling New Year’s Eve party.
To some surprise, for several Bobcats, Athens was the perfect place to commemorate the holiday before the start of the spring semester. Gracie Butler, a senior studying retail fashion merchandising, said it was her first time ringing in the new year in Athens.
“I am looking forward to having those last moments with my friends (and) soaking everything all in,” Butler said. “I (went to Athens) because all of my friends (were) and we (want) to experience everything one last time together.”
Butler is an employee at the popular Court Street destination, PawPurrs Bar, and said she was looking forward to the thrilling, yet laid-back atmosphere.
“It is not as serious or exclusive as other bars could be to get into,” Butler said. “Last year I went out to Columbus, and I had to get reservations and tables … and be on a list. It is not like that at all in Athens (and) you can still have so much fun.”
New Year's Eve can look different for each person and some prefer to celebrate the holiday sober. Fortunately for Athens locals, several businesses offered versatile events catering to children and adults.
In the Fall of 2024, Athens welcomed Big Run Kava Bar, the first kava bar in the area and an exciting addition to Court Street. At 72 N. Court St., Kava houses several teas and coffees, encouraging students and locals to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and meet new friends.
Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. marked Kava’s first New Year’s Eve party in Athens and those over 18 looking for a thrilling night with non-alcoholic drinks, electrifying music, snacks and raffles were welcome to attend. Shaylee Tucker, owner of Kava, said she hoped to see new faces and welcome back regulars.
“We are family owned and operated … it is also (just) me and my husband and my father-in-law that work,” Tucker said. “(We are) trying to have an alternative to your typical bar hopping on New Year’s Eve.”
Tucker said Kava catered pastries from local bakeries and had themed mocktails alongside a special kava extract shot.
“It is not going to be extravagant by any means, but is it going to feel nice and you are going to meet nice people,” Tucker said. “I think that alone will be a nice way to start the new year.”
New Year's Eve night typically attracts the 18-plus crowd, however, other Athens organizations offered educational activities that allowed children to express their creativity.
Athens Birth Circle is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower and support families on their journeys to and through parenthood, according to its website, by encouraging members to share their opinions and questions regarding childcare.
“We are here for everyone,” Megan Buskirk, executive director of ABC, said. “We are here for grandparents, we are here for caregivers, we are a neutral space (and) the education and the community that we provide is really vital … No one else in Athens is doing it quite like we are.”
The Birth Circle’s annual celebration, “JIVE,” is kid-friendly and collaborates with other businesses around Athens. Starting in 2011, JIVE was originally a fundraiser, however, the event has evolved with each director’s vision. This year’s event was Dec. 31st from 3-5 p.m. and hosted by The Ohio Valley Discovery Museum.
Buskirk said she enjoyed bringing her 1-year-old daughter, Eloise, as there were interactive activities for all ages including science experiments, spaces to play, charcuterie boards and non-alcoholic sparkling drinks.
•“It is geared toward kids so you know they are going to enjoy it,” Buskirk said. “You can make some fun memories and meet other parents.”
Whether it was indulging in a cocktail, spending time with loved ones or watching the iconic ball drop in pajamas, the new year is officially underway.