Enjoy a dinner out, add an evening of music and dancing, mix in an optional overnight stay and you’ve got all the fixin’s for the first ever “Take a Bite out of Coupeville” New Year’s Eve celebration, set to take place from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Coupeville Rec Hall.

“It’s all about celebrating Coupeville,” said Mark Laska, owner of Ciao in Coupeville and one of the event organizers.

Visitors and residents alike are encouraged to enjoy dinner at one of the town’s many restaurants, then head to the Rec Hall at 8:30 p.m. to enjoy music from Seattle group African Knights. At 10 p.m., Coupeville’s own John “Bulldog” Tristao, lead singer of Creedence Clearwater Revisited, will take the stage to help rock in the New Year. A champagne toast will be provided at midnight and a cash bar will also be available to those 21 years and above.

The Coupeville Lodging Association is also participating. A portion of the proceeds from overnight stays for those who attend the New Year’s Eve celebration will be donated to the Coupeville Boys and Girls Club, as will a portion of the ticket price. Cost to attend the party is $40 and Laska said tickets are going fast.

“This is a great collaboration between the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce, restaurant owners and the Lodging Association,” he said. “The Boys and Girls Club seemed to be a logical thing that everybody wanted to support.”

Ticket holders will also be eligible for specials and discounts at participating restaurants: Brett’s Bread, Captain Whidbey Inn, Ciao, Coupeville Bistro, The Cove Thai Restaurant, Lavender Wind Farm, Mosquito Fleet Restaurant, Vail Wine Shop and Toby’s Tavern.

The whole purpose of the event, besides providing a great New Year’s Eve celebration, is to promote all that Coupeville has to offer, especially its restaurants.

“Coupeville is an eating destination,” said Laska. “There is something for everybody to eat in this town.

“It’s the most amazing place in the U.S. in terms of what we’re growing, what the sound provides and how our local restaurants are using those local products,” he continued. “It’s a truly unique destination, one of the great secrets of Whidbey Island — of Washington, really.”

Laska said those involved in planning this event hope to have more activities that feature Coupeville’s eateries, perhaps in conjunction with the Coupeville Farmers Market, for example.

“We look forward to doing a lot more community events with food to bring people here,” he said.

Tickets for “Take a Bite Out of Coupeville” are available at the Visitor’s Information Center on NW Alexander Street, Toby’s Tavern on Front Street or Ciao on N. Main Street. Tickets may also be ordered by phone by calling Ciao at 360-678-0800.