For those who are not so sure about venturing outside, despite the mild temperatures this winter, Countdown Lancaster 2007 is offering 30 live indoor performances.

This year’s theme, “Oh What a Night!” kicks off at 7:15 p.m. and ends at midnight in Lancaster Square with the ascension of the Red Rose and fireworks.

At various locations throughout the city, music, drama, art and more will be offered for those wanting to end 2006 with a bang.

The Lancaster Public Library will be one of the hot spots for families. Interactive story-telling and a magic show will take place every hour.

For those wanting to dance the night away, heading to Grace Lutheran Church will be your best bet. Basic moves of salsa dancing will be taught by Balimos. Grupo Candela will also keep the night air lively with aguinaldos, trova and merengue music.

For the younger crowed, Rick’s Place will offer a Battle of the Bands and Countdown Teen Idol competitions.

This year’s only outdoor entertainment will be provided by the horn band Goodfellas. Performances start at 10:15 and 11:15.

Buttons are required for admission to the events. They cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge.

And no need to worry about parking, or walking halfway across town to get to each event. Parking will cost $2 for the night, and the Red Rose Transit Authority is offering free trolley rides.

The Pennsylvania Academy of Music is also holding its own New Year’s Eve celebration. The “Great Gatsby Gala” will start at 8:30 at Liberty Place, featuring music, food and dancing. A champagne toast will follow at midnight. Tickets cost $100 each.

If going to downtown Lancaster isn’t your thing, then try some of the other evening community festivities planned throughout the county.

Lititz will bring its year-long 250th anniversary celebration to a festive conclusion with “The Last Night 06.” Festivities begin at 6:30 at Warwick High School’s Performing Arts Center, Lititz Moravian Church, St. James Catholic Church and Lititz Public Library.

Family entertainment will be in abundance, including comedy skits, walking tours, a brass ensemble and a juggler.

From 7:30 to 9:30, the Moonlighters, a dance band, will perform in Warwick High School’s cafeteria.

At 11:15, the Lititz 250th anniversary celebration will begin, at the high school’s football field, including extinguishing the candles on the birthday cake.

The new year will be welcomed by raising a Moravian Star at midnight, with fireworks following.

Buttons, costing $5, are required to attend all of the events. Children under 12 are admitted free.

Elizabethtown will host “Let E-Town Ring ... LetterKenny Time,” from 5 to 8. The event will include music, food and children’s events. A giant M&M will be lowered in front of Historic St. Peter’s Church at 7 p.m., which is midnight in LetterKenny, Ireland, E-Town’s sister city.

Manheim will hold its sixth annual “Dancin’ in the Streets” celebration in the square from 10 to midnight. Once the clock hits midnight, a ball will be raised from a flagpole.

Akron will “Shoe-In 2007”, with a community church service at Akron Church of the Brethren at 9. Beginning at 10 on Main Street, between Seventh and Ninth streets, festivities will include carriage rides, food and music. At midnight, a large sneaker will be dropped from a crane.

CONTACT US: rcarroll@LNPnews.com or 291-8733