Hobart's mayor-elect Brian Snedecor is the first to admit his election night victory party was over the top.

The celebration for 600 people, held at the expansive, glitzy Avalon Manor, included finger food, a cash bar and a fireworks display held outside the banquet hall.

"Probably no other mayor had a night like that. It's a reflection of the community as a whole and the excitement that this campaign has brought to the community," Snedecor said.

Apparently gone are the days when election night parties were held inside a dark, aging VFW or American Legion hall given the fancy festivities of both Snedecor and his Crown Point counterpart.

Mayor-elect David Uran held his election night celebration at the elegant White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point.

"I'm a member at White Hawk and we had anticipated a larger group," Uran said.

His victory party for close to 300 people included both food and beverages for celebrants.

"We didn't have fireworks but we did think about it," Uran said.

Snedecor and Uran, both Democrats and both former police officers, said they were confident that they were going to win and planned parties at which to thank their supporters.

"It was my opportunity to give back to those who worked hard on my campaign and it was a chance to have a time to relax," Snedecor said.

Uran agreed: "We did want to reward our precinct committeemen and supporters. With every win there's a lot of people behind the victory."

He said his election party wasn't old school but neither were some of the tactics he used to win his election against Republican Gayle Van Sessen.

"On Tuesday, election day, we used aerial advertising to remind people to go out and vote," Uran said.

In addition, during campaigning, he also left behind DVDs at households when people weren't at home to outline what he hopes to accomplish as mayor.

"It was the best way to get in front of everybody. Technology has come a long way," he said.

He said he also plans to tape and have available on DVDs such events as his address to the city and other city meetings.

"It's a new way of thinking," he said.

Snedecor said he was so convinced he would win over Republican challenger John Guthrie that he had a banner announcing him as new mayor pre-made.

Apparently there were no complainers from those who attended Snedecor's big party.

"I got a lot of compliments. ... People were impressed," he said.