First Night Northampton 2010
With great excitement, the Center for the Arts and the Daily Hampshire Gazette welcome you to the 25th edition of First Night. Yes, we are about to mark our 25th anniversary year and are busy assembling the various pieces of this special tribute to community arts. On Thursday, December 31st, thousands of people will enjoy family-friendly entertainment from noon until midnight. They will be treated to a festive display of spectacular fireworks early in the evening and a unique "ball-raising" at midnight, sharing the experience with friends, neighbors and visitors to the city. What a memorable way to celebrate New Year's Eve!
As always, we're expecting an enthusiastic crowd and look forward to large audiences throughout the afternoon and evening. We'll open with customary high energy at the Center for the Arts. Get there at noon for the first show of the day followed by our family promenade from Main to Masonic to Center Street and back to Pulaski Park. What to do next? With a classic array of performance options at venues throughout downtown (including a special appearance by our own Young@Heart chorus), Northampton's annual signature event is filled with talent and creativity.
We continue with what is becoming a popular tradition — fireworks for the whole family to see at 6:15 p.m. There's plenty of time for everyone to find a good spot for viewing the display that lights up the sky from the roof of the city's parking garage. After that, return to a program of music, dancing, and merriment until the cannons fire from the courthouse lawn at 30 minutes before midnight, signaling us to gather at the Hotel Northampton and greet the official arrival of 2010.
A single bargain-priced button opens the doors to every event at every venue. They go on sale at a variety of locations throughout the Valley in early December. We will also be offering online sales beginning November 1st. Buy your buttons early, and check out the accompanying performance program to plan the perfect day. In the meantime, return to this site frequently for more information about what's to come.