The days before New Year’s Eve typically are relaxed.

Many people are recovering from the week before and maybe take a few days off from work before the big party.

It’s quiet – unless you are in the party business, and then it’s a rush.

Sara Roth, assistant manager at Party America, 1441 W. 23rd St., has seen party hats, confetti and noisemakers fly off the shelves these last few days, and she knows the store is not quite finished.

“It’s a very last-minute holiday, we’ve found,” Roth said.

Around Lawrence and northeastern Kansas on Sunday evening, residents will celebrate in their own rowdy or peaceful ways at private and public events.

But they all will say goodbye to 2006 and ring in another year.

Of all the celebrations planned around Lawrence on Sunday night, one New Year’s party isn’t for adults.

The “New Year’s Overnighter” begins at 8 p.m. and ends 8 a.m. Monday morning at the Holcom Park Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th St. It’s a special event for children ages 5 to 12 through the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department.

For those who aren’t traveling to some major public event, like the Little Apple New Year’s Eve Celebration and Ball Drop in Manhattan, many Lawrence bars and clubs recognize New Year’s Eve as a special night for partygoers.

Management at The Sandbar, 17 E. Eighth St., couldn’t decide on a theme for its traditional New Year’s Eve party, so it will be a mixture among toga, pajama and “my best friend’s wedding” parties, said bartender Danny Loental.

He suggested those wanting to attend to come before 9 p.m.

Thomas Foster, 11, left, and Ryan Yowell, 10, play with their New Year's Eve party gear after buying the items Friday at Party America, 1441 W. 23rd St. The two were just a few of many patrons getting supplies to ring in the New Year.

“It will probably be mostly regulars that get there early enough because once they are in, no one’s going to be leaving until after midnight,” he said.

And at midnight, the traditional champagne toast will commence.

Although New Year’s Eve is on Sunday this year, restaurants and clubs that are normally open and serving liquor are allowed under local and state laws to be open the same hours they usually observe on Sunday.

Liquor stores can be open only during regular Sunday hours, which under Lawrence ordinances is noon to 8 p.m. The same goes for stores selling cereal malt beverages (3.2 beer).

Many have planned private parties, as Patrick Hangauer, of Jensen Retail Liquor, 620 W. Ninth St., has witnessed the last few days.

“It’s crazy right now. As long as I’ve worked here, this is the most packed I’ve ever seen the store,” Hangauer said.

Champagne sales are particularly good leading up to New Year’s Eve, liquor store owners said.

The evening represents a chance to imbibe, but police advise partygoers to plan ahead and have a designated driver.

Lawrence police will have extra officers on duty Sunday evening, said police spokesman Sgt. Dan Ward.

The extra officers will help watch for drunken drivers, he said.

Revelers in Lawrence can get a free ride home if they call the Tipsy Taxi at 842-TAXI (8294). The service will run for the 23rd year, sponsored by DCCCA and other area businesses.

Owner Russ Wheeler said callers must specifically ask for a Tipsy Taxi on the phone and that they should allow for a wait of 45 minutes to one hour.