Local bars in preparation for the New Year’s Eve celebrations

KYMA on January 1, 2026

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the holiday just hours away, locals are already planning where to be when they celebrate the evening with friends and families, but how are the local bars preparing?

Elissa Franklin, a bartender at Red’s Bird Cage in Downtown Yuma, says that while she is feeling nervous serving her first New Year’s celebration as a bartender, she is still very excited to spread liveliness to families coming to have a few drinks.

She also said that in the past year, the community is what made her experience so memorable and special, and that it would not have been a good year without them.

“They bring Red’s to a community, that’s what makes it a community. All the people. And without them, this wouldn’t have been a good year,” Franklin said.

Kitchen Manager at Prison Hill Brewing Co., Rodolfo Quiroz, says that New Year’s is about friends getting together to spend one last moment together before the year ends, showing them around to different places to eat and hang out.

Many bars will be open tonight, including Red’s Bird Cage. Be sure to follow state laws on drinking, and be sure to drink responsibly during your New Year’s celebrations.

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Kelly Canyon creates winter wonderland amid unseasonably warm weather

KIFI on January 1, 2026

Ariel Jensen

KELLY CANYON SKI RESORT, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho is well known for its cold winters, and locals recognize that this is not normal weather this season. 

Kelly Canyon Ski Resort, near Ririe, is working hard to make its own snow and provide skiers with a winter wonderland.

“We had a really rough start to the year,” said Sam Whitlock, Director of Revenue for the ski resort. “We have spent a lot of time and energy recently investing in our snowmaking. We have great snowmakers. They’re here most nights, all night long, making snow.”

Making snow is nothing new for them. However, in years past, these machines were used to enhance the existing snow. They have now become the cornerstone of making skiing a reality.

“Just complete bare dirt. Just dirt and grass,” said Ryan Mead, lead snowmaker for the hill.  

Mead says making snow requires significant time and effort. “Usually for a run about the size behind me is a, I would say about 2 to 3 days of good, solid 24-hour snowmaking,” Mead said.

People shiver with excitement in a not-so-cold winter.

“Well, the public wants to come ski, and we enjoy seeing people up here. I also thoroughly enjoy making snow, so it’s a great time for everyone,” Whitlock said.

A winter of more rain than snow won’t loom over Kelly Canyon as their team paints a colorful future ahead.

“We just want to lower the barrier of entry to get people on the hill. So, what we can do when there’s not a lot of snow is just make it a nice, welcoming environment. Later this year, we’re going to have a lot of fun things going on. Fun events. So while we can’t control the snow, we can make it as fun as possible,” Whitlock said.

Kelly Canyon plans to be open through the winter, but warmer conditions could change that. 

Be sure to check out their Facebook page for any updates. 

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