Augusta offers variety of New Year's Eve celebrations - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

Balloons are being inflated in preparation for New Year's Eve at Skateland, where they are offering a family friendly New Year's Eve Party.

"We're a safe environment here, we're predominately for families. There will be a balloon drop at midnight, there will be cash and prizes and everyone can participate," said manager, Della Garrick.

Garrick says it's fun for the whole family, "Where grandpa can skate with the two-year-old," says Garrick.

And if you aren't spending New Years on skates, there are plenty of other options.

One of the biggest New Year events is being hosted by several local bars.

The Metro A Coffee House, 1102 Downtown Bar and Grill and First Round are blocking off 11th street from Broad to Ellis from 3 PM Saturday through 6 AM New Years Day.

First Round's bartender, Renee Axon said, "I think it's going to be a unique experience, it's the last party of the year so it's going to be huge and awesome."

The party will have entertainment, "We're having three bands and a DJ…the bands are all very popular downtown," said Axon.

The party will also have a ball drop as partygoers say goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012.

Because many people will hit the road after parties, officers will be out in force.

Sergeant Danny Whitehead with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office said, "We'll have an increase in patrol for sure. You should see an extra amount of officers on the street this weekend for the holiday traffic."

Whitehead is asking drivers to start making plans to stay safe, "The biggest thing that we ask is that those coming up to celebrate to plan ahead. When I say plan ahead, I mean have some sort of transportation in mind before you start drinking," said Whitehead.