5 Things to Look Forward to in 2012

It may only be Jan. 2, but that’s not too early to start planning your year. Here are some of the dates and events you should be marking on your calendar.

1. You Need to Know About Feb. 2: at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., at 8 p.m. As crooners go, they don’t get much smoother or cooler than Bennett. Having achieved his first hit singles back in the 1950’s, Bennett is one of the last great voices still touring. Now 85 years old, he brings his repertoire from the Great American Songbook to Morristown. If you haven’t already got tickets, better check with resellers like Stub Hub because this concert is already a sellout.
2. You Need to Know About March 10: The 34th annual will step off in Morristown. Richard Smith, a longtime member of the parade committee who is also active in both the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Irish American Association of Northwest New Jersey, has been tapped as this year’s Grand Marshall. Be on the green wearing your green.
3. You Need to Know About March 16-May 12 (or July 29 on): OK, this is vague, but worth it. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are going back on tour! New Jersey's own has announced European dates (May 13–July 28) and is speaking at a convention in Austin, Texas, on March 15 so just about any other dates are likely, and most likely it will be late in the year. There’s really no more information yet (and if we had it, we might not say, to lessen the competition for tickets when they do go on sale). Bruce and the band have not toured since November 2009 and new live dates will be somewhat bittersweet without saxophonist Clarence “Big Man” Clemons, who died last June. Still, a Springsteen tour is not to be missed and The Boss said he will be announcing tour dates soon.
4. You Need to Know About April 4: Baseball opening day. Whether you root for the Yankees or the Mets (or, the Phillies -ed.), baseball is America’s pastime and it’ll be back before you know it. There’s nothing quite like root-root-rooting for the home team with a hotdog in one hand and soda (or beer) in the other. If it costs too much, or the ride is too far, though, you can always don your ball cap and check out one of New Jersey’s own minor league teams like the Somerset Patriots (they don’t start until April 26)-you’ll spend a lot less but have just as much fun.
5. You Need to Know About Nov. 6: Election Day. There won't be any Town Council elections in 2012, but there will be something a bit more ... national. Presidential elections usually have the largest turnouts and with all the buildup among the field of GOP challengers, 2012 should be no exception. You’ll want to have your say in the big battle: President Obama vs. Republican-to-be-named-later.

Bonus Thing: There is one date most people would probably dread. You probably know it already, as it may (or should?) be the last date on your new calendar–it was the last date for the Mayans. Dec. 21 ... the end of the world …