Brazil meets New Orleans

A mask, beads and a sense of adventure is all you’ll need to get in to the “Carnivale” spirit as 2007 comes to a close.

Spread out over five acres at the Orange County Fairgrounds are more than 13 buildings, each with a unique theme. Guests will get a little bit of New Orleans, the Carnivale atmosphere of Brazil with a traditional fireworks show and a ball-dropping countdown (with a twist) reminiscent of Times Square in New York City.

Party goers will be transported to O.C.’s version of Bourbon Street in New Orleans as the courtyard area at the fairgrounds’ main gate comes alive with lights, strolling musicians and fire-breathing sword swallowers.

Electric cellist Marston Smith, Latin pianist Sebastian Sidi and various traveling sideshow acts will mingle with guests surrounded by grass and illuminated trees along the perimeter of the Mardi Gras Main Mall.

Rock bands, ballroom dancing, country line dancing, Las Vegas-style gaming tables, free drawings, a costume contest and a battle of the bands are just some of the activities organizer Nick Bartlett has lined up for his first New Year’s Eve event.

Bartlett has been involved with Extreme Motocross Expo at the fairgrounds for years. He came up with the idea for the New Year’s Eve bash after spending time at both the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans and Carnivale in Brazil.

“We know that you can go to a concert any time,” Bartlett said. With the memory of Cirque du Soleil’s “Corteo” run at the fairgrounds also still fresh in people’s minds, he decided the circus performer/Mardi Gras theme was interesting enough to lend itself to a New Year’s Eve celebration.

It’s no traditional circus theme, though, with performances by Technomania Circus and Globe-O-Cross motorcycle rider Monte Perlin.

The San Diego Union Tribune’s May edition described Technomania Circus as a group “that allows both street performers with death-defying circus skills and highly trained actors, writers, dancers, puppeteers and musicians to cut loose and explore new media in an environment that is anything but safe — and always interesting.”

Perlin is an actor, stunt double and stunt coordinator who has appeared in movies including, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” and “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.”

Bartlett said Perlin is a great showman, and his death-defying performance in the Globe-O-Cross is guaranteed to keep the crowd on the edge of its toes.

“Carnivale offers a little bit of everything. No one will be bored,” Bartlett said.

The Casino Ballroom will feature PJ the DJ supplying waltz, tango, fox trot and quick-step music for anyone wanting to experience that Dancing with the Stars feel. Julianne Hough and Helio Castroneves wannabes will also be able to take a break from the dance action and test their luck at the Blackjack, Texas Hold ’em, Pai Gow and Baccarat tables surrounding the dance floor.

Carnivale is more than just a celebration. Bartlett said proceeds from the “Casino Royale” event will benefit the Yellow Ribbon Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed in 2001 to help soldiers serving in the armed forces with medical, education, food, shelter and clothing needs, as well as the Katrina Relief Fund.

Headlining the Jagermeister main stage will be Indie rock bands Louis IV, Smile Empty Soul and the Donna’s. Country music and a mechanical bull are the main attractions in the Millenium Barn, and the grand prize winner at the Battle of the Bands event will headline the 2008 Extreme Motorsports Expo in May.

A treasure hunt for a pair of diamond earrings will be hosted by Captain Jack himself, and Bartlett promises someone will definitely find the hidden booty.

Costume contest winners will go home with a $1,000 cash prize, and at midnight, the Real OC Housewives will be on hand for a “from-the-ground up, ball-raising countdown” and fireworks spectacular.

A 30-foot JumboTron screen will be set up so guests can watch countdown celebrations as they move from east to west, starting with New York, followed by Chicago and Denver before ending in California.

Food and drink will be plentiful, with some local restaurants offering free samples of their featured fare.

Old habits die hard, so guests who’ve been indulging all year can live it up for one more night before making those New Year’s resolutions.

The Resolution Revue area will offer information on fitness clubs, laser centers, cosmetic surgery, travel getaways and business opportunities for those individuals looking to turn over a new leaf or get a fresh start in 2008.

Someone could even ride off into the sunrise on a brand new set of wheels. Every guest in attendance will be entered in a free drawing to win one of two Urban Classics Town Scooters. The only requirement is you have to be there in case your name is drawn, so stick around.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: New Year’s Eve Mardi Gras Carnivale

WHEN: Monday 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

WHERE: Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

COST: $75

INFO: Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at the main gate. Call (714) 241-9055 or go to www.nyecarnivale.com

SUE THOENSEN may be reached at (714) 966-4627 or at sue.thoensen@latimes.com.