Where can you rock to the bass of battling bands and learn to catch the humorous side of bass fishing?

It's all a part of Countdown Lancaster, welcoming the New Year in highly diverse style. In fact, there are more than 25 acts planned for the New Year's Eve festivities in downtown Lancaster.

There's contemporary Christian music and heavy metal rock. There's juggling and barbership quartet singing. There's folk music, comedy improv, puppets, a ventriloquist, African drumming, a teen singing contest, a rock 'n roll battle of the bands, a dance competition and something called Bassmeister fishing comedy.

"I'd say that there is something for absolutely everyone," says Tracy Daniels, marketing and development coordinator for the Lancaster Recreation Commission.

She means it. Even folks who would rather go fishing have something to lure them to the downtown celebration with Curt Strutz, who is known as the "Bassmeister." Strutz has been involved in the bass fishing industry for many years, doing tournament fishing and youth programs. He has appeared at lots of community fairs and festivals, sharing his humorous experiences in the great outdoors as he hunts for the elusive bass with rod and reel.

If rock 'n roll bass is more your style, Countdown Lancaster has that too. The Battle of the Bands will be held at Rick's Place on King Street, featuring bands that include Ace Augustine, Elevenses and the Rodans. Also at Rick's, the Teen Idol singing contest will be held, naming the best young singer in the Lancaster area.

More than just entertainment, visitors to Countdown Lancaster will get plenty of exercise. They can ice skate at Clipper Stadium, dance to the beat of the music and walk all over the city. In fact, participation is key to many of the Countdown events, as in do-it-yourself activities such as painting the town, making a resolution mug, learning colonial dances, doing African drumming and experiencing science first-hand at the Science Factory.

Just about every act is held in an indoor venue, ranging from local churches to the YWCA to the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design to the library. One of the only outdoor acts is at center stage at Binn's Park with Chuck Cahoe and the Fun Junkies. That's where the Lancaster City tradition of the rising Red Rose takes place at midnight, accented by a thrilling fireworks display.

"Almost all the activities are within walking distance of Binn's," says Daniels, adding that there are also bus stops in a 35-minute loop of three buses.

A true family event, Countdown Lancaster, has Kid Time, which starts at 5:15 p.m. with free admission to all those 5 and under. The Kid Time events include a magic show, interactive variety music and a puppet and ventriloquist act.

There are free noisemakers, free bus rides and easy parking that is just $3 for the night. For details on Countdown Lancaster, check the web site at www.lancasterrec.org or call the Lancaster Rec at 392-2115 x129. Countdown Lancaster is funded in part by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, through a grant administered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Sam and Verda Taylor Fund of the Lancaster County Community Foundation.

To enjoy the Countdown festivities, everyone needs a button, which costs $15 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12 if you're purchasing them tonight at the event. Kids 5 and under are free.

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Chuck Cahoe & the Fun Junkies, high-energy dance band, Binns Park, 10:15 p.m., 11:15 p.m.

Window painting, corner window room of Hotel Brunswick, 151 N. Queen St., 7:15-10:15 p.m.

Dave Rojahn, children's magic, Lancaster Public Library, 125 N. Duke St., 5:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m.

Red Rose Chorus, women's barbershop, St. James Episcopal, 119 N. Duke St., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.

Derek Sandstrom, Christian music, First Reformed, 40 E. Orange St., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.

Historical Walking Tour, Colonial dancing and games, First Reformed, 40 E. Orange St., 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 10:15 p.m.

Jim Rule, children's variety, First Presbyterian, 140 E. Orange St, 5:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m.

 Puppet Mike, children's puppets and ventriloquism, First Presbyterian, 140 E. Orange St, 5:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m.

Mr. B & Hollywood, singing and variety act, YWCA, 110 N. Lime St., 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 10:15 p.m.

Robert Bobby, folk, YWCA, 110 N. Lime St., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.

Rachel Smeigh, button artist, YWCA, 110 N. Lime St., 7:15-11:00 p.m.

Interactive science activities, Science Factory, 454 New Holland Ave., 7:15-11:00 p.m.

Jonathan Burns, stunt comedy, First United Methodist, 29 E. Walnut St., 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 10:15 p.m.

100th year anniversary mosaic, interactive art, Lebzelters Car Care, 300 N. Queen St., 7:15 p.m.-10:15 p.m.

Theater of the Seventh Sister, comedy improv, Stahr Performing Arts Center, 438 N. Queen St., 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 10:15 p.m.

Bassmeister, fishing comedy, Grace Lutheran, 517 N. Queen St., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.

Dance Dance Revolution, dancing, Grace Lutheran, 517 N. Queen St., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.

Ice Park, skating ($3 skate rental), Clipper Stadium, 650 N. Prince St., 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m.

Battle of the Bands, Rick's Place, 52 W. King St., 7:15 p.m. -9:30 p.m.

Countdown Teen Idol, Rick's Place, 52 W. King St., 9:30 p.m.-10:15 p.m.

Resolution Mugs/Bowls ($5 each), The Pottery Works, 16 W. Orange St., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Various comedians, Ad Lib Cafe & Jon Jon Sports Cafe, 51 N. Market St., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.

Evan Young, juggler, St. John's Episcopal, 321 West Chestnut St., 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 10:15 p.m.

Jim Barone, singer, Masonic Center, 213 W. Chestnut St, 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.

NAYO, African drumming and dance, Pa. College of Art & Design, 204 North Prince St., 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 10:15 p.m.

An information center will be open from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. at the Wachovia Bank, 100 N. Queen St. For a more comprehensive schedule of events, see www.lancasterrec.org.

THAT'S THE TICKET

Countdown Lancaster

Tonight, kid time startsat 5:15 p.m.

regular event 7:15 p.m.-midnight

At gate button prices:

$15 adults, $5 children

Downtown Lancaster

For details, call 392-2115
www.lancasterrec.org