Attempting to make big plans for New Year’s Eve anywhere, let alone in Buffalo, is always a hassle. Coordinating with friends and family, trying to all agree on one thing and then make an actual decision, braving the chaos and craziness outside — these are all things we could probably do without on this one-special-night-of-the-year affair. For a worry-free New Year’s Eve, the Buffalo Police Athletic League and 97 Rock have made a few decisions for us, and will keep the energy going well into the night. The 19th Annual Ball Drop and fireworks display from the Electric Tower downtown in Roosevelt Square always draws a huge crowd, and unlike Times Square, you can actually move around and relocate if you want a better view of the festivities. Get to the square early at 11pm and watch a presentation of the events that have shaped 2006 on several of the Jumbotron screens in the area, with the ball drop and fireworks to follow. Also going on that night will be special New Year’s Eve menus and packages from downtown restaurants and hotels (be sure to make your reservations early). If you’re in the mood for some music, Lance Diamond will move his show over to the Tralf for an evening featuring hors d’oeuvres served from 10 to 11pm and a champagne toast at midnight. But that’s just a suggestion; tonight is one night you can go to almost any bar or lounge and be certain to find an evening of special entertainment.

Sunday, December 31 at 11pm. Electric Tower, Roosevelt Square, Downtown Buffalo. Visit www.97rock.com for further info.