Top 5 Best Bets in Miami for New Years Eve: 2008

With New Years Eve fast approaching I thought I would write about the Top Five Events going on in and around Miami, a few are costly and a few are free so there is something for everyone and every pocketbook..

Number One...A Freebie:

The 26^th Annual King Mango Strut:

This is one we never miss that takes place in Coconut Grove. This year it's a day early but the weirdness persists as the Parade pokes fun at many non-local and local politicians as well as celebrities galore...For instance, The Chongalicious Girls , who became local celebrities following a YouTube spoof of the song Fergalicous, they will be the Grand Marshals of the Parade, wearing full Conga costumes, poking fun at the typical style of young Miami Latinas...You can be sure you will find a few folks in the parade dressed as your most unfavored political leader as well as completely outrageous sights floating down Main Highway.

The strut starts at 2:00 P.M and lasts for a few hours...its never on time so be there early to check out all the crazy characters...Commodore Plaza at Main Highway.

Number Two... Another Freebie:

The Big Orange: Bayfront Park...

Miami's answer to the New York City Countdown....This is the 20^th Annual celebration...There will be live entertainment in the Parks Amphitheater from 8:00 P.M. to 11:45.P.M., then elected Officials will lead the countdown as the "Big Orange" reaches the top of the nearby Inter-Continental Hotel at Midnight....The celebration continues with fireworks and a laser show over Biscayne Bay...this one is fun for the whole family.

Number Three...Not a Freebie but funny.

Lewis Black at the Fillmore on Miami Beach...

Black, a Grammy award winning stand up comic, notably from the Jon Stewart's Daily Show, calls himself "America's foremost commentator on everything", will be on stage to entertain with his famous rants and comedy routines. If this type of comedy is your thing than don't miss him .

Fillmore, Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater, 1700 Washington Ave.,
Tickets: $58.50 to $87.50 at www.ticketmaster.com or call 305-673-7300

Number Four:.. Expensive: