Time flies. 2009 is just days away. Many people have told me they haven’t decided where they want to be when the clock strikes midnight, but they want to be in the “right” place and they want the best bang for their buck. In my experience, it doesn’t matter where you are; rather, who you are with counts most. Whether you go to a house party, a night club or travel to Times Square, you should surround yourself with your closest friends and your loved ones when you ring in 2009.

Several of our local bars and clubs are planning exciting New Year’s Eve parties.

Rich’s Black & White Ball will be one of the biggest. The fabulous DJ Nikno will spin all night long, with Bianca hosting the midnight countdown. The evening will include free party hats and giveaways, a free champagne toast and a cash balloon drop, Black and white attire is encouraged. Rich’s is located at 1051 University Ave. in Hillcrest. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1096.

Just across the street from Rich’s, Universal will host its Original SIN party. Hillcrest’s place to “see and be seen” will pull out all the stops to ensure everyone attending has a memorable night. Those who choose to party it up at Universal can ring in the New Year in style dancing in the main room, or relaxing out on the patio. General admission is $20, and VIP tickets are $60. Universal Hillcrest is located at 1202 University Ave. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1096.

Urban Mo’s is kicking off its NYE party with a fabulous dinner and show presented by the Dreamgirls Revue. The Dreamgirls put on a hilarious show each and every week and this special show will be no different. Cover is $10 for the show with a $25 dinner option. Following the Dreamgirls, the party begins. Mo’s will host the Red Drag-On party with DJ Lauren spinning. There will be a free champagne toast at midnight. And, of course, when you wake up on New Year’s Day, Mo’s will be the place to be. As is usual on holidays, Mo’s will host a “Recovery Tea Dance” with DJ Taj from 2-9 p.m. Dance off that hangover at Mo’s! Urban Mo’s is located at 301 University Ave. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1096.

If you want a chance to win up to $2,009 in “bar money,” stop by Bourbon Street for its New Year’s Eve party! DJ Kenny will spin some of the best hits from 2008 while revelers will be able to enjoy Jell-O shots served up by the Bourbon Street “hot body” dancers. There will be a balloon drop at midnight, free party hats and noise makers, and a champagne toast. Besides the Bourbon Street Bucks giveaway, partiers will also have a chance to win a cruise for two compliments of Interactive Male. Bourbon Street is located at 4612 Park Blvd. in University Heights. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1096.

Numbers is still hot, and will also host a huge New Years Eve party. If you haven’t been to Numbers in a while, stop by. It boasts three bars, two dance rooms and some of the best music in town. The New Year’s Eve Party will include party favors, a champagne toast, and cash and prize giveaways. Hot DJs and even hotter go-go boys will make the night exciting. Numbers is located at 3811 Park Blvd. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1096.

If you want to head Downtown, the beautiful Keating Hotel will be one of the hot spots. Playboy Playmate Heather Smith will host the Risque party at Downtown’s only nightclub open until 4 a.m. Even a gay boy like me can say with confidence that Heather is hot! If you’ve partied it up at Keating’s Minus 1 Lounge before, you’re in for a surprise: NYE will also be the grand opening of the two-story MerK, which is connected to Minus 1, creating an exclusive three-level club. The evening will include special guest celebrity hosts and DJs A-Rod, Tara Brooks and Mike White. Special dinner and hotel packages are available. The Keating is located at 432 F St. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1096.

This is just a small sampling of some of the offerings out there. Whatever you do, make sure you spend it with friends, and be safe. Happy New Year!