As 2010 winds down, Fayetteville residents have a lot to celebrate. For many it’s the return of soldiers from deployments and for others it’s the promise of the new year and a new beginning. Whatever the case, if you want to celebrate in style look no further. This is Fayetteville’s guide to New Year’s Eve mayhem and madness. Check out one or more of these great events, but as always, if you drink remember to bring along a driver!

Downtown

Fayetteville’s official party — New Year’s Eve Party in the Park — is a family-focused event that has not just one, but two sets of fireworks. Bring in the New Year with live performances by everyone’s favorite party band — Hot Sauce.

This event will also have a children’s area hosted by The Partnership For Children, that includes craft activities and an early New Year countdown at 8:30 p.m., with a fireworks show for the little ones who can’t make it until midnight. This area proves to be fun for all ages!

Beer, champagne, party favors and food will be available for purchase.

At the stroke of midnight, a dogwood blossom will drop under the spectacle of another fireworks show.

Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy this free event, and remember, no coolers, pets (except service animals) or weapons of any kind are allowed in Festival Park.

If the Party in the Park sounds like your idea of fun, check out the New Year’s Eve special at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux. The package includes overnight accommodations with a late check out at 1 p.m.; hourly shuttles to and from the Party in the Park; and a New Year’s Day Brunch in the Cafe Bordeaux from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The total cost per room/couple is $109 plus tax, and you can add dinner for two at Wiley’s for a package price of $159. For more information or to reserve your room, call 323-0111.

While you are downtown, you might want to stop in at one of the city’s favorite destinations for nightlife — Huske Hardware House. If you come early, you might want to take advantage of the special New Year’s Eve dinner special. Couples can enjoy a Huske Salad, a 10 oz. New York Strip, a side of their choice, a dessert of their choice and either a glass of house wine or champagne all for $49.99 per couple.

As the evening progresses, the lights will go down and the party will crank up as Huske brings on dancing to the sounds of your favorite DJ, drink specials, party favors, balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. Those attending the party will be charged a $20 cover charge at the door.

Just down the street at Pierro’s, you can ring in the New Year in the newly constructed Sky Lounge. Enjoy a DJ-hosted event, champagne toast and party favors as you await the magic hour of midnight. Book ahead by calling 678-8885, and get tickets for just $10 per person. You can also come early and cash in on the dinner special for two, which includes two appetizers, salads, entrees and drinks.

At Circa 1800, there will be three dinner seatings: 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Reservations are required and a special menu is available. At midnight, there will be a champagne toast. The Circa celebration is a more relaxed event and is not designed for the party-hardy crowd. For more information or to make reservations, call 568-4725.

Lido’s is hosting its first New Year’s Bash with drink specials, countdown on the big screen and a champagne toast at midnight. Get to Lido’s early for dinner and avoid the lines and cover charges at the door. They are throwing another big party on New Year’s Day. Call 222-8237 for reservations.

Crown Coliseum

Another family-friendly event on New Year’s Eve will take place at the Crown Coliseum as the Fayetteville FireAntz take on the Huntsville Havoc. The FireAntz know Fayetteville likes to party, so the New Year’s Eve game will start at 6 p.m. in order to allow you to get wound up with a high energy, action-packed hockey game before you head out to other events. Visit www.fireantzhockey.com for details.

Just up the street from the coliseum, the Doghouse is having a New Year’s Eve bash featuring Universal recording artist and local musical favorite, The Fifth. The action lasts from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. There will be party favors and free champagne. Breakfast will be served at midnight. Call 323-2400 for more information.

Around Town

Scrub Oaks on Ramsey Street is planning a laid back, festive celebration to bring in the New Year. The menu consists of a trio of specials selected from votes that customers have submitted in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Check out the website www.scruboaks.com. The eight big-screen TVs will follow the countdown with Ryan Seacrest in New York. Folks are welcome to make reservations, but there is no formal seating plan for the evening, and don’t forget the midnight champagne toast.

The Doubletree Inn on Cedar Creek Road is hosting a three ballroom entertainment extravaganza. Look for R&B and Hip Hop in one ballroom with Gilbert Vaez as the DJ. The second ballroom will feature a live band and plenty of jazz music with Buddy McCloud and the Two Reel Band and guest artist Reggie Codrington. The third ballroom will be more of a social mixer atmosphere with a tribute to Fat Daddy’s Bar and Grill. Entertainment will include karaoke, speed dating and other mixer activities. Pay one price and enjoy all three parties.

Tickets are $40 per single, $75 per couple and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast and party favors. Stay the night for $109 dollars and get not only a room but breakfast for two. Tickets are available at Twice as Nice Boutique on Bragg Boulevard, Rogers Law Firm on Bow Street or by calling 578-2959.

Regulars at Legends Pub know that there is always a good time to be had at 4624 Bragg Boulevard, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Come on over and ring in 2011 with your favorite bikers. Call 867-2364 for more information.

Fort Bragg

Competitive bowlers check out the New Year’s Eve Tournament at Airborne Lanes. From 8 p.m. - 2 a.m., for just $25 for adults and $15 for kids you’ll get an all inclusive bowling experience. There will be a Cosmic 9 pin tournament, a champagne toast at midnight and prizes and give-aways throughout the evening.

Just down Yadkin Road, The Big Apple is pulling out all the stops for its New Year’s Eve Silver, Gold and Black party. The event starts at 9 p.m., and patrons are asked to dress to impress. The evening features drink specials, dancing and prizes, a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight and the crowning of Fayetteville’s King and Queen of the New Year! The party starts at 9 p.m. Call 868-5559 for more information.