"The Party Starts at 10" - December 31, 2020

[Joe]

Well, that was cute! On the crowded shore. Once again, I had no idea that the puzzle was coming out early! Also, why do I have the feeling that the easyish-end-of-the-year-meta train has made its last stop at the station.

[hcbirker]

OK, let me try this again! Here I thought I was so smart linking to a Google Doc - apparently it is not that easy. I did not know you have to enable it for "anyone". Hopefully this works for those who want it. PLEASE let me know if it does nt and I'll ask some of our more sharing experienced Muggles how to do it.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BCK5nl ... sp=sharing

Got it! Thanks Dr. Tom!

[Thurman8er]

Ashore and a Very Happy New Year to all you wonderful Muggles! You have been one of the saving graces of this awful year.

Here's to better days ahead, my friends!

[LittleGood]

I'm ashore.

I loved finding this community in 2020. Be safe tonight, and have a great year in 2021.

[Tom Wilson]

On shore ... and ever grateful for this splendid community, so pardoxically diverse AND like-minded. Beautiful people, all, and I don't believe I could have managed this upside-down year without your company, counsel and inspired lunacy. Here's to a happy and healthy 2021 (with mugs all around)!

[Mister Squawk]

If you're sick of wondering if you've been PAGEANTed, I commend to your attention today's (Thursday's) New York Times daily. Lots of fun with a sly twist.

[Anita]

On shore, I'm almost certain. Happy New Year everyone! See you on the other side.

[Toby]

Late to the party, since I didn't realize puzzle would be early. I'm sure I have it, though I may be missing one step. This week's "out of left field" cryptic is also a meta, by the way...recommended for anyone who likes both metas and cryptics. Happy New Year!

[mikeh]

I believe I'm on shore. A very happy new year to you all!

[Hidden in 3D]

On shore! Happy New Year, Muggles!

[Joe Ross]

I think there’s clearly only one correct answer here but that’s just, like, my opinion, man.

Totally!

[debbierudy]

Ashore, in my upstairs office, with the smell of prime rib roast wafting upstairs, ready to party like it's ... the end of 2020! Seems right to close out this year with as much celebration as we can.
Happy New Year, Muggles!

[EVJ]

And here is a link to the Mushroom Drop in my town:
http://midnightinthesquare.com/

Here in Boise, ID we’ll be having The Great Potato Drop.
It’s a bit embarrassing but I didn’t want to be outdone by a mushroom!

[NDStegs]

On shore!

Happy New Year, All! (No, that is not the 4-word phrase)

[cbarbee002]

Well, celebrating the end of 2020 (which in a few hours, will literally be 2020 (in) hindsight), and coming ashore. Solved fairly quickly (no, not 11 minutes Al!), but can see that I need to start using Joe's excel file. Celebrating with a new Avatar! I know - - seems like I'm a cigar fiend. Well, okay. Wishing everyone a wonderful 2021 and beyond. Can't believe how much fun I've had with this group since joining in April!! Major kudos to Brian/Bob for their weekly labors! And Jay, wow, great way to send us off into the new year!

[FKelly]

On shore. Only saw one answer initially, which I submitted.
Then I read some posts like these and had second thoughts. Oops, a possible P-A-G-E-A-N-T.

I now see two answers and trying to figure out which one is the one Matt wants.

I think the shorter one is more his style.

A quick google revealed that the answer I submitted was the one associated with the title.
Happy New Year to all the muggles in the muggle-sphere whether on ship or on shore. A big, hearty 27-A to you all.

[John77]

Ashore!

No potables with which to celebrate, but a heartwarming tale for those of you in northern climes: I'm stretched out in a tent with my wife and children in the middle of Everglades National Park (where I miraculously have cell signal) and am listening to the brisk wind rush off the Florida Straits at a lovely 72°F into clear skies overhead.
An unsolved meta would have cast the only pall over this perfect night, so I thank the crossword mavens for their providence.

how does one stake a tent in the everglades?

As far away from the alligators and pythons as possible.

[mitchel674]

On shore quickly for me

[Jacksull]

On the beach.

May 2021 bring relief to all from the plagues of 2020.

[Lyman]

Took a while for me to find just one potential answer, so am amazed at those who quickly found two potential answers. I think that I'm ashore, but perhaps I'm just celebrating NYE with Isaac.