ORANGE PARK – New Year’s Eve is about a week away, and many people are still trying to make plans for what is traditionally the biggest party night of the year.

New Year’s Eve is typically celebrated with plenty of drinking. All of that alcoholic consumption usually means a lot of bar-hopping and a lot of money made at local watering holes.

That, like everything else in the COVID-19-stained year, will look different than usual.

Center for Disease Control and Health Department guidelines controlling large gatherings and social distancing will affect how people get together – or don’t – to ring in the new year.

“We’re anticipating a good turnout but following the CDC guidelines and really making a push for social distancing,” said Mack Cooper, General Manager of Cheers on Park Avenue in Orange Park. “We’ve looked to work with Clay County, opening up our outside area where we can do outside service, that way we can make social distancing an even bigger platform.”

Lori Larcom, General Manager of Miller’s Ale House on Wells Road, had similar thoughts.

“It’s gonna look a lot different,” she said. “We’re not seating any parties over 10 together, and we’re still every other table. So the party atmosphere is kinda not the same.”

Miller’s Ale House also has outdoor seating, and that will be open to patrons as well. Larcom is unsure as to what to expect this year. She is hoping to match last year’s sales. Anything beyond that is a bonus.

Cooper says Cheers staff plans to continually reiterate the theme of social distancing all night to those enjoying the festivities.

“If it’s been anything like it’s been in the last month, it’s going to be slow,” said Larry Lewis, Jr., owner of Cheers. “Our business has definitely slowed down. People are more cautious. We don’t have the business we used to have.”

Taya Comastro of Leaderboard on Wells Road is also prepping for the big night, although she doesn’t see it being as big as in previous years.

“I don’t think it’s going to be as good as previous years,” she said. “To kind of push people to wear masks more, we’re going to do mask contest, like who has the coolest mask. Make your own mask, buy a mask, whatever. We’re not expecting anything great to happen, but definitely want to ring in the new year with everyone, so we’re definitely going to try to come up with some prizes and giveaways.”

All three venues are hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.