Those without plans for New Year’s Eve on Saturday still have plenty of choices, whether they want to party, go to dinner, enjoy a getaway or stay at home.

Organizers are preparing for local New Year’s Eve parties, while restaurants and liquor stores are getting ready for crowds.

For the last 39 years, Michelle Hendrick has organized and performed at a New Year’s Eve party in Bowling Green.

She’s part of the band Roxcel, previously known as Liberation until the founding member left several years ago. Roxcel is the house band at the Ramada Inn, where Hendrick is also the director of events.

She expects the Ramada’s Crossroads Bar & Grill to be filled with more than 500 people Saturday night at Roxcel’s annual New Year’s Eve party. 

“We’ve had some people come for all 39 years,” Hendrick said. “It’s known to be the biggest and the best.”

People return year after year because of the consistency, she said.

“They know exactly what it’s going to be and the entertainment is great,” Hendrick said.

The band has a big fan club, and because the event is at a hotel, people don’t have to worry about going home at the end of the night, she said.

“It’s really not an old fogey place like people think,” she said. “The crowd ranges from age 21 to 75.”

Tickets are $50 a person or $175 for two tickets and a room. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with an all-you-can-eat country picnic beginning at 7 p.m. Call 781-3000 for hotel packages or 392-2554 for tickets and information. 

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DJ Scott Roach is preparing for the New Year’s Eve Bash at Sloan Convention Center, a collaboration between Southern Kentucky Entertainment and SAM 100.7  FM.

In the past, the group hosted the party downtown at the State Street Pub, but they outgrew that space and moved to the convention center this year, where Roach expects a crowd of more than 400 people, he said.

The Tyrone Dunn Experiment, a local Motown/classic rock band, will perform its last public show at the event, which will also feature Roach deejaying between sets.

“It’s definitely going to be a good time,” Roach said. “One of the best in Bowling Green, in my opinion.”

Doors open at 8 p.m., with the show at 9 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are $30 individually or $160 for two tickets and a room at the Holiday Inn. Tables are $15 to $25, depending on the size. For tickets, call 784-9560 or go to ticketweb.com.

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Several local restaurants have special music and meals planned for New Year’s Eve. 

WhaBah’s Steakhouse is featuring Andy and the Rockers beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday, said Donnie Perruquet, one of the business’ owners. The restaurant has a show every year on New Year’s Eve, and expects a full house of about 200 people, he said.

“It’s what people want,” Perruquet said. “It’s the one time they want to get out.”

WhaBah’s is known for its shows and food, so it’s the best place in town to be on New Year’s Eve, he said. For Saturday’s show, there’s a cover charge of $10, and tables will range from $20 to $30. Call 782-6400 for reservations.

Another restaurant featuring music on New Year’s Eve is 440 Main, where James Hunter will play at 8:30 p.m., said owner Micki Holmes.

The restaurant will have food specials, including lobster and surf and turf, with a free sparkling wine toast and party favors, she said.

“Our primary focus on New Year’s Eve is food,” Holmes said.

There will be three seating times, and while there’s no cover charge, reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 793-0450.

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Those wishing to get away from Bowling Green can make New Year’s Eve plans at Park Mammoth Resort or Barren River Lake State Resort Park.

Park Mammoth is featuring a prime rib dinner as well as a party with a DJ and dancing, said Amy Wells, director of customer service for the lodge. 

The entire package, which includes lodging, is $140, or dinner alone is $50 a couple, she said. Reservations can be made by calling 749-4101.

Barren River Lake is also offering a special dinner and dance, with several packages available. Call 800-325-0057 for more information and to make reservations.

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For people staying at home or hosting their own parties, liquor stores in the area are prepared.

Shenanigan’s is ready for the influx that New Year’s Eve brings, manager Mike Hager said. The store has double ordered high-selling items and triple ordered champagne.

The store has also doubled up on employees this week and is offering several sales, Hager said.

Sarah Baker, manager of Chuck’s Liquor Outlet on Veterans Memorial Boulevard, said the store is heavily stocked with the most popular New Year’s items, such as bottles of the bubbly and glasses.

“This is the busiest night of the year for us,” she said.

Since New Year’s Eve falls on a Saturday this year, the store is expecting even higher sales than usual, she said.

“I think it’s definitely going to feel busier,” Baker said.