It is nearly time to usher in the new year, and once again Island Rec is providing the opportunity to celebrate in style.

The annual Community New Year’s Eve party, co-sponsored by the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition, is Friday, 7-9 p.m., at Mullis Community Senior Center. The party is alcohol-free and open to all ages.

This year promises to be just as fun as ever, with a wide variety of contests, games, music and a few new touches. For example, there will be a Wii at the party, and Island Rec’s Rebecca Clarke will organize a dance competition. There will also a hat-making competition, a “Bozo buckets” game (competitors must get ping pong balls into different-sized buckets, with a prize assigned to each bucket) and trivia. Amusements include a beading table and a photo booth.

As is traditional, the clock will be set to Eastern Standard Time so you can ring in the New Year with those in Times Square. “It’s always really fun,” Clarke said.

Since Dec. 31 is a holiday, Island Rec will not have the sheriff’s work crew to help them decorate. Island Rec is reaching out for extra volunteers this year. If you are interested in volunteering, there are three shifts and sets of duties to pick from: Decorating, 1-3 p.m.; during the party, 6:30–9:30 p.m.; clean up, 9-10 p.m.

If you are not able to volunteer, Island Rec encourages people to consider providing a sweet or savory dish of finger food to share.

Any contributions can be dropped off at Mullis Center on New Year’s Eve, between 1-3 p.m. For more information about volunteering, contact Clarke at 378-4953 or rebecca@islandrec.org.

For those 21 and older, the New Year’s Eve celebration continues downtown.

At Herb’s Tavern, there will be party favors and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Music will be provided by the rock band The Tease.

The Rumor Mill will pull out all stops for diners and dancers. A special menu, from 5-10 p.m., will feature island produce in dishes as diverse as lamb shank, stuffed pork loin, various sea foods, and vegetarian and vegan offerings.

From 9:30 p.m. on, the classic rock group The Sliders will bring a musical edge to the night. If you are dining, then the cover charge to hear the band is included in your dinner bill. If, however, you only want to come for the music, there is a cover charge of $15, or $25 per couple.

“There will be late-night hors d’oeuvres and party favors,” co-owner Oren Combs said. Additionally, when the new year arrives, there will be a complimentary champagne toast.

For more information, call Combs at 378-5555 or e-mail orenpeg@centurytel.net.

At Coho Restaurant, 120 Nichols St., Chef Alphonsine will cook up a dining extravaganza: nine courses of small plates, plus optional five wines pairing, sparkling or still. See the menu at www.cohorestaurant.com.