New Year's Eve Temps Could be Dangerously Cold

Just in time for your year-end parties, temperatures will drop to zero, and the wind chill factor could be in the negative double digits. That's potentially dangerous for revelers.

  So you think it's OK to get drunk for New Year's Eve because you're not driving? Don't be so sure. Not getting behind the wheel may keep you out of jail, but the weather authorities are now adding a warning about another danger: tonight's extremely low temperatures. In central Dakota County, it'll be about zero, with a wind chill factor in the double-digit-below-zero range. That's cold enough to cause hypothermia and frostbite among those who aren't properly attired with a good hat and gloves. Say, people whose imbibing early in the evening gives them a sense of artificial invulnerability? In that case, just walking down a street could be dangerous. The warning gets stronger as you get further south. In Northfield, for instance, the wind…

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Find It: NYE Parties South of the River

This New Year's Dakota County has plenty to offer, even for complete teetotalers.

  Don't want to drink in the new year? Have no fear. For New Year's 2013, Burnsville, Apple Valley and other south metro cities will have plenty for you to do. • Big Baby Boomer with Louie Anderson: The gap-toothed comedian is back by popular demand.  "Big Baby Boomer, came from the love of food, the hatred towards exercising, the results of Father Time but mostly my joy of stand-up comedy, which I think should have been called sit down comedy. It's a show that's big on laughs and has zero calories, it will be the best ab work you've done in a long time!" Louie Anderson stated in a press release. Anderson will perform two shows back-to-back at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center on NYE. The first show begins at 7:30 p.m. followed by an …

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Lebanon Hills Hosting Seventh Annual Family New Year's Eve Party

Activities will likely include snowshoeing, hiking, sledding, s’mores at a bonfire and readings by a local storyteller, among other diversions.

Ring in 2013 at Lebanon Hills Regional Park's seventh annual family New Year's Eve Party. The party, scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center in Eagan, is $10 per person at the door or $8 per person in advance. Children ages 5 and under are free. Activities include snowshoeing and hiking by candlelight; sledding on the lit sledding hill; s’mores at the bonfire; and readings by storyteller Roy Edward Power, magician Matt Dunn and live animals from Dakota Wild Animals. Participants can also welcome the New Year with a countdown and ball drop at 7:59 p.m. Hot concessions will be for sale and the snowshoe rental open. Bring your own sleds and ice skates. All ages are welcome. Click here for advanced registration.

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Tell Us: What Do You Think of the Upgrades at Lebanon Hills?

The public has gotten a chance to experience $1.3 million in improvements to Lebanon Hills Regional Park since the beginning of December. Have you been there?

The visitor center at Lebanon Hills Regional Park reopened about a month ago, after many improvements to the facility and surrounding park areas, including: The overhaul cost roughly $1.3 million, according to a report in the Star Tribune. Since Apple Valley Patch reported on the improvements in early December, members of the public have gotten to experience the upgrades through park activities, including the large New Year's Eve family gathering on Saturday. So, to those who've visited the park recently, tell us: Did you notice the improvements? What did you think of them? Leave a comment below with your thoughts. Read Apple Valley Patch's story and the Star Tribune's story for more on the upgrades.

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PHOTOS: Dakota County Families Celebrate New Year's Eve

Hiking, candlelit ice skating and bonfires were among the activities at 'Ring in 2012' at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan Saturday night.

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Ring in the New Year With a Tasty Drink

Here is a list of beverages sure to impress your New Year's Eve guests.

This weekend marks New Year’s Eve—one of the most popular days to responsibly enjoy an adult beverage or two. If you've decided to host a party or stay home with your love, here are some drink recipes that are sure to impress your guests or anyone who drinks them. Remember, be smart, safe and stay off the roads—unless you have a designated driver. Blue Champagne Cocktail Ingredients you need: How to make a Blue Champagne Cocktail: New Year's Sparkler Ingredients you need: How to make a New Year's Sparkler: Resolute Cocktail Ingredients you need:  How to make a Resolute Cocktail: Winter Sangria Ingredients you need: How to make a Winter Sangria:   Golden Fruit Punch Ingredients you need: How to make a Golden Fruit Punch:   Gingerbling by …

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Enjoy New Year's Eve with the Whole Family

Patch offers events listings and activity suggestions to keep New Year's Eve fun for kids and parents alike.

Once upon a time, New Year’s Eve was associated with elegant soirees and high-end champagne, but more and more, this grownup holiday is becoming a family-friendly affair. According to a recent article in the Star Tribune, “Fewer parents are leaving their children with a sitter while they go out to welcome in the New Year.” Instead, parents and children are celebrating together at one of the many kid-friendly New Year’s Eve events in the Twin Cities metro area.  Several of these events are in close proximity to Rosemount. In Eagan, Lebanon Hills Regional Park is hosting a party from 5-8 p.m. that will include hiking, live animals, storytelling, a magician and a complimentary s’more’s buffet. The Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield is …

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Celebrate New Year's Eve 2011 in Apple Valley

From family friendly to adults only, these events will help you ring in 2012.

If you're looking to get out of the house for a New Year's Eve celebration this year, consider a few local options just for the grown ups or for the whole family: 1. Jeff Gerbino New Year's Eve Comedy Show When/Where: 8 p.m. Saturday at the Apple Valley American Legion, Apple Valley Why Go: Get two enjoyable things in one: food and comedy. Food specials include prime rib, shrimp skewers and whiskey steak, which you can consume while watching Gerbino's farewell-to-Minnesota comedy show (he's moving to Florida after his storied career here). Price: $20 in advance, $25 day of the show 2. Family New Year's Eve Party at Lebanon Hills When/Where: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Apple Valley/Eagan Why Go: The lack of snow means…

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By Land or Air, Avoid Holiday Travel Hassles

However you plan at arriving at your holiday destination, we have tips and tricks for smooth travel.

According to the American Automobile Association, 42.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday season. AAA has forecasted that during the year-end holidays, 91.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home—1.4 percent more than a year ago. That's 30 percent of the population, and the second-highest number in the past decade. For those planning car travel this year, Gail Weinholzer, AAA Minnesota/Iowa director of public affairs, offered these safe driving tips: Melissa Scovronski, public affairs and marketing manager for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, said throughout the holiday season, opt for an early-in-the-day flight from the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, Scovronski said, as they are the …

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