Fort Myers 'Downtown Countdown' 2007-2008

FLORIDA WEEKLY PHOTO EVAN WILLIAMS Patricia George, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf and Main magazine, views New Year's Eve a little differently. In a bold show of hubris, downtown Fort Myers will drop its own ball this New Year's Eve, again, putting it in the company of bigger acts like Times Square in New York. Fort Myers, its citizens, employees and business owners, are all preparing for this year's end in their own way. Most of those quoted in this article were also asked to make a "silly" face, one that might represent how they'll be feeling after midnight, on Jan. 1.

"We went to a similar set up as last year, with two stages and it was phenomenal, " said Rick Vaske, event coordinator for the Downtown Countdown. "This year we're adding a third stage in the Patio, more DJs and bands. We're getting bigger every year…And of course, all the bars and restaurants will be open."

In downtown Fort Myers: First, Hendry, Bay and Dean Streets will all be closed for the Eve from 8 p.m. until 2008.

The 99X sponsored stage on Bay Street will feature the no-holds-barred band Knucklehead from 8 p.m. to 10, and speedalternative crunch act D.V.S. (devious) from 10 p.m. to midnight.

FLORIDA WEEKLY PHOTO EVAN WILLIAMS Joel Rizzo, a line cook at The Morgan House will be working New Year's Eve. Down on the corner of First and Jackson Streets, 96.1 K Rock will sponsor Cadence Wednesday, which will keep you loose from 8 p.m. to 10, followed by those lazy but loud royalty The Sofa Kings, from 10 p.m. to 2008.

In the Patio De Leon, from 8 p.m. to 11, The Drunk Monkeys will toss off tunes, and from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m. three or four different DJ's will battle it out for the most riotous, drunken applause and yelping.

Sport enthusiasts may enjoy the 770 ESPN Sports Tent featuring College Bowl Games and grunty NFLaction at Hide-AWay Sports bar on Dean Street.

A single ball will drop at the corner of First and Hendry Streets at exactly the stroke of midnight, hosted by DJ Gentry Thomas from B103, as netted balloons simultaneously break free and fall over the crowd in the Patio De Leon.

"It's basically the grand finale and accumulation of everything that's happened throughout the year, and basically, it's just a ton of work," Raimond Aulen, owner of The Indigo Room, located in the Patio De Leon, said. "That's what it is for me, just a lot of work and a lot of planning. I'm usually relieved when it's over."

New Years Eve will be a working night for many. David Stantial, for example, plans to spend the evening tending the Main Street Parking Garage.

"Every year I just reflect on the past years," Stantial said. "I always try to think of ways to do better. I'm probably working, that's what I had to do last year, so I'll probably ring in the New Year, I guess, after the New Year already rang in. You know what happens? Everyone comes in at the last 15 minutes. They should come earlier and enjoy a meal in one of the fine restaurants in downtown, and then party in the streets."

A line cook at The Morgan House, Joel Rizzo said he'll be feeding New Year's diners this year before going home.

"I'm gonna work all night on New Years Eve, until about 1 a.m.," Rizzo said. "And when I get out of work, I go straight home; avoid getting stuck out on the streets, the loony bin, all kinds of drunken, psychotic behavior. I will go directly home and get smashed. That's the way I've been doing it for 10 years, and it works well for me…One waitress will probably kiss me goodnight."

Local artist Mary Widmer, who displays some of her works at Arts for ACTS in downtown Fort Myers, said Dec. 31 will be low-key.

"We don't celebrate," she said. "Well, that's not true. We stay home and celebrate, but we don't make a big deal about it…my husband and I."

Others, like rascally self-confessed troublemaker Edward J. Janowski, Sr., President of the Board of Directors of Royal Palm Towers Residents Council in Fort Myers, will be living it up.

"New Years Eve is a day to remember the past and look forward to the future," he said. "Personally, I'll be getting drunk, to forget the past."

Patricia George, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf and Main magazine, plans to see things in a positive light that night:

"For me New Years Eve is a fresh start, a time to look to the future and not dwell on the negatives of the past…I've been invited to a house party in Cape Coral this year, so we will be drinking champagne and shooting off fireworks."