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News-Argus/BOBBY WILLIAMS

Store manager Beth Worley, left, helps Kimberly Junkin pick out party favors at Paper Place on Cashwell Drive for a New Year's Eve celebration. Wayne County residents are getting ready to mark the start of a new year, planning parties and get-togethers leading up to midnight Wednesday, when 2009 officially begins.

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News-Argus/GREG SOUSA

Susan Crenshaw, right, owner of the Healthabit Natural Foods and Wine store in Goldsboro, assists Kaye Mooring, left, with selecting some wine for a holiday party. Ms. Crenshaw said that sales of champagne have been spotty, but that she expected Thursday to be busy.