End of year revelers will have their pick of festivals in the Capital District this year.
Saratoga Springs will host its 13th annual First Night celebration just a few days after their neighbors down the Northway host the second Albany WinterFestival.
The events offer something for singles, couples and families, say coordinators, but are different enough to warrant going to both.
People are starting to recognize that our event is a different one from First Night, said Melli Rose, public relations coordinator for the City of Albany. Albany’s last First Night was in 2005; WinterFestival started in 2006, geared toward children and families.
In its inaugural year, WinterFestival’s approximate 10,000 in attendance topped the crowd gathered for the last Albany First Night, said Rose.
A pass or button isn’t required and most events are free.
Held on Saturday, Dec. 29, WinterFestival kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with the `Jingle Jog` Fun Run for children ages 5 to 11. Each child receives a goody bag filled with great surprises, plus an official race T-shirt, said Rose. Registration is $3 per child. Refreshments and a drawing for prizes follow.
Beginning at 1 p.m., the streets will come alive with magic, music and performers. Vaudevillian performers The Flying Karamazov Brothers will headline at the Palace Theatre.
The professional BMX riders of FreeCycle Action Sports Team and America’s Best Frisbee Dogs will perform on Lodge Street. Albany City Hall will host the beginnings of a scavenger hunt. Amusement games, pony rides, a rock-climbing wall and a giant bonfire will await visitors in Academy Park.
At 5:15 pm., there will be fireworks on the east lawn of the state Capitol.
The 11th annual `Last Run` 5K Road Race kicks off with an anticipated 1,000 runners. The U.S. Track and Field certified route heads up State Street through Capital Holiday Lights in Washington Park. The registration fee is $20. Runners are encouraged to register at www.active.com to reserve a spot in the race.
Two days later, those diehard runners can begin their First Night Saratoga with another 5K run.
For the 10th year, the evening will begin with a 5-kilometer run through Saratoga Springs.
`It’s a family affair,` said Jeffery Allen, who has coordinated the run for the past decade. `Parent, kids`they all run together. How many times do families get to run together, under the stars with 1,000 other people? `
Registration for the run can be completed at www.ymcasaratoga.org. There is an entry fee of $20.
Events at First Night Saratoga begin at 6 p.m. and end with fireworks at midnight. Admission buttons to all events are $13, but Event Coordinator Maureen Duda said the price is worth attending the largest First Night celebration in the state and `the biggest New Year’s celebration outside of Times Square.`
Buses will be on hand for this year’s First Night Saratoga to take what is expected to be the festival’s largest crowd ` close to 14,000, Duda estimates ` to expanded venues.
First Night Saratoga has expanded beyond the city center and First Night coordinators have partnered with CDTA. Buses will run every 15 minutes on seven routes around the city and to new venues that include the YMCA of Saratoga, the Saratoga Springs High School, and the National Museum of Dance.
`Park at the YMCA, park at the high school, hop on a bus and it’ll take you anywhere you want to go,` Duda said.
All bus service will be free from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., but officials said if there is a need for transportation after that time, they’ll stick around.
Performers will be located up and down Broadway, down Lake Avenue, and along many side streets. This year, more than 400 artists will perform at 35 venues. Musical artists represent an array of styles, including pop, orchestral, country and opera. The Celtic rock-band Seven Nations will be headlining what Duda calls an `Irish extravaganza` in the Saratoga Springs City Center.
This year’s First Night Saratoga theme is `Paint the Town,` and the event will host many local artists and give revelers the opportunity to `paint the town with their wishes` by writing them on a wall-sized board in front of the Saratoga Springs City Center.
For information on WinterFestival, or to volunteer for the event, visit www.albanyevents.org or call 518-434-2032.
For information on First Night Saratoga, or to volunteer, call 583-9622, ext. 134, or visit www.ymcasaratoga.org.“
