Free Limo Ride Home For New Year's Revelers

Residents of Orland Park, Mokena, New Lenox, Palos Heights and Tinley Park who feel that they cannot safely get home this New Year’s Eve can get a free limo ride home sponsored by the Village of Orland Park.

The Village of Orland Park has teamed up with the Michael P. Gordon Memorial Foundation and chartered Stretch Limousine Inc. to offer residents of Tinley Park, Orland Park, Mokena, New Lenox and Palos Heights an alternative to driving home under the influence of alcohol this New Year’s Eve. Residents of those communities can contact Stretch Limousine at 773-230-1637 between the hours of 11 p.m. Dec. 31 and 4 a.m. Jan. 1 for a free limo ride home. The pick-up and drop-off locations must be in these towns. Residents must be traveling home, not to another party or to a public establishment. Stretch Limousine spokesman Dominick Wasik said five limos will be in service tonight. "We have already had 50 to 60 calls to get a free ride," Wasik said…

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Ring in 2013: New Year's Eve Events

Find a place to celebrate New Year's Eve at one of these neighborhood hot spots.

Still need New Year's Eve plans? Patch has your New Year's Eve plans under control with these area events for families and adults. So strap on your party hat, grab your noisemaker and peruse our list of neighborhood events happening for Monday, Dec. 31, 2012: Riddles Comedy Club at 5055 W. 111th St., Alsip, is offering dinner and a show, followed by a DJ and dancing on New Year's Eve for $45 per person. Doors open at 7 p.m. Rock around the clock--literally--in Blue Island on New Year's Eve. Gather under the clock at Vermont Street and Western Avenue between 11:30 and midnight. There will be free party favors, fireworks and a lighted ball drop at midnight. FREE. We've included the flier. Wish all the animals 'Happy Zoo Year' at the …

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Fun Facts for New Year's: Wear Red Underwear, Lock Your Car and Eat Black-Eyed Peas

Check out these interesting fun facts and trivia about New Year's Eve.

If you're celebrating New Year's Eve this year and find a lull in the conversation, impress your family and friends with this New Year's trivia.

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Not Sure Where to Ring In The New Year? We've Got You Covered

No cool fête or reservations in place? We've put together some events in the southwest suburbs to help you welcome 2012.

Still looking for the right place to ring in the new year? It's not too late. We've found some New Year's Eve parties you can still get in on. But don't wait much longer to make your reservations, and assume all events are 21 and up (unless noted). 95th Bar and Grill at the Hilton, Oak Lawn When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cost: No cover What's on tap? The bar is hosting a New Year’s Eve Dance Party featuring Night Life. Party favors will be distributed at midnight.  115 Bourbon Street, Merrionette Park When: Doors at 7 p.m., party starts at 9 p.m. Cost: $65 What's on tap? This New Year's Eve Bash features a slew of food, bands, DJs and top shelf liquor. Overnight hotel packages, including the party, are available at the Hampton Inn and Baymont Inn …

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Patricia Bailey

3:28 pm on Saturday, December 31, 2011

17332 Oak Park Ave # 1 Tinley Park, IL 60477-4091 (708) 532-3051   more ›

The Bar Fly's Guide to Escaping In-Laws on Xmas, Partying on NYE

Know what you're up to this Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve? Need an escape route? That's where we come in. Peruse this guide for local holiday events and bar hours.

Tinley Park knows how to celebrate. And this holiday season the local restaurants and bars—many of which double as music venues—will not disappoint you. Tinley businesses are serving up amazing comfort foods and high-end eats and cocktails, which we consider ingredients for a very festive night on the town. Here's a rundown of what some local bars and restaurants are up to this Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Editor's note: Call to confirm your plans ahead of time. If you have a venue in mind that you don't see here, find it in our Places Directory. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: The saloon is open during regular business hours on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for those last-minute shoppers looking to take the …

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Don't Drive Drunk Tonight – Call Safe Ride Home

From 11 p.m. tonight to 4 a.m. Saturday, revelers who have had too much to drink can get a free ride home.

Have too much to drink during your New Year's revels tonight? Don't drive. Call Safe Ride Home at 1-800-752-5400. From 11 p.m. tonight to 4 a.m. Saturday, residents of Tinley Park, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Mokena and New Lenox can call Carey Limousine Chicago Inc. at 1-800-752-5400 for a free ride home. The rides are completely free and only take people to their homes, not to other establishments. More than 100 people took part in the program last year, Tinley Park Mayor Ed Zabrocki said. The program is funded by each of the five villages, along with a $1,500 grant from the Michael P. Gordon Memorial Foundation. The foundation was named in honor of a Chicago police officer who was killed in 2004 when a drunken driver ran a red light …

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SouthScene

South Suburbs Gear Up for End of Year

Bears at Brookfield, bands at bistros and more bring family fun to region.

A wondrous world of a million lights continues through Dec. 31 at Brookfield Zoo, and yes, many of the animals are around to say "hello." From their habitats, that is. Visitors might even catch Hudson, a 4-year-old polar bear, munching on an edible holiday ornament just as he is doing in the photo. Brookfield Zoo is open every day of the year, including Christmas and New Year's Eve. At 6 p.m. on the last day of the year, a Zoo Year's Eve Celebration for the entire family begins in the holiday glow of the breathtaking Holiday Magic scenery. Festive music, games and prizes for all will be followed by an early countdown at 8 p.m. (Animals go to sleep early). Brookfield Zoo is at 3300 W. Golf Road, off First Avenue between Interstates 55 and …

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