New Year's Eve came 24 hours early for some. The precocious revelers attended the second annual "Eve of the Eve" party thrown Tuesday by the Junior League of Minneapolis.

The fundraiser at Windows on Minnesota at the IDS in Minneapolis included a live auction of a Goldendoodle puppy and dancing to 1970s tunes performed by Midnight Mo Experience.

The reason behind the event's date is really quite logical. "There's less traffic and you can find baby sitters," president Emily Backstrom explained. Convenience aside, she pointed out that this year is especially important for the chapter, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary of "promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women through training and improving our community." Active members currently work on projects such as Books 4 Kids and Kids in the Kitchen. Programs whose origins were with the Junior League of Minneapolis include the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery and the Children's Theatre.

By beating most of the world to a year-end party, attendees were freed up on the actual eve to do anything from going to another fête to staying in and watching that ball drop. Plus, they probably had made few new auld acquaintances to toast.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177