It's fun and it's free: New Year’s Eve Party begins at 7 p.m. at Mullis Center

This is one party where you can do your Sinatra imitation without embarrassing your kids.

Celebrate 2010 with family, friends and neighbors at the Community New Year’s Eve Party, Dec. 31, 7-9 p.m., at Mullis Community Senior Center.

Island Rec and the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition are teaming up once again to present this alcohol-free community party. The evening features activities, dancing, entertainment and music for people of all ages.

The event is free and open to the public. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Last year, islanders of all ages crowded the center and participated in a hat decorating contest, got their pictures taken in vintage costumes, played Bingo and bunco for tickets that were redeemable for prizes, and danced to Stop Drop and Rock.

This year’s party will have some new features. Clinton Mills of Solid Grounds Coffee Shop — formerly Warehouse Coffee — is bringing his karaoke machine and catalog of thousands of songs.

The theme of the party is the Winter Olympics. You can dress up in winter sports gear and medals and get a souvenir picture taken for free, courtesy of the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau.

Games include “Win, Lose or Draw,” a Pictionary-type game.

There will be a ball drop — a real ball drop, not a PowerPoint one like last year — as well as a fireworks show (on a screen, in respect for the county fireworks ban).

“There will be fun for all ages,” Island Rec Recreation Specialist Rebecca Clarke said. “You won’t have time to not do anything. We will have our clocks set to Eastern Standard Time to countdown the New Year. Beverages will be provided and attendees are asked to bring along a sweet or savory potluck dish to share.”

If your idea of fun is helping out, there’s room for more volunteers — either decorating the day of the event, or leading an activity.

For more information, call Clarke at 378-4953 or visit www.islandrec.org.

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