A family friendly, fun event, First Night will be held on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks at the Four Corners.
“This is the first time we’ve had a First Night celebration in Bethlehem,” said Town Supervisor John Clarkson. “We didn’t invent First Night, obviously, but many people in Bethlehem used to attend Albany’s First Night and we had a similar music, arts and fun festival known as Feestelijk Bethlehem, a springtime festival that ran from 1997-2004 and was very popular. I raised the First Night idea several years ago, and have talked about it with a lot of people and groups, and this year with New Year’s Eve occurring on a Saturday night, it just seemed like a good time to try it.”
Entertainment and activities are scheduled to follow the fireworks, from 7-10 p.m. at the following nearby locations:
- Delmar Four Corners Marketplace – The Iceman Ice Sculpture Performance
- Delmar Reformed Church – Old Time Dance Band and Delmar Community Orchestra; Raisinhead (Rock); Crafts for Kids (Kids/Family)
- Bethlehem Chabad – Kosher food fest; Jewish jazz; Menorah lighting (All ages)
- First United Methodist Church – Mendelssohn Club (Choral); Skip Parsons (Dixieland); Stellar Face & Body Art (Kids/Family)
- Masonic Hall – Andy the Music Man; Hulahoops; Broadway Bound (Kids/Family)
- Delmar Fire – About Face Face Painting (Kids/Family); Playin’ With Fire (Rock)
- Town Hall – High School Battle of the Bands (Teens)
Adult volunteers are needed at all locations. Please contact Joan Gavrilik at 605-6580 or [email protected] to sign up!
First Night Bethlehem is presented in partnership by the Town of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, and the Bethlehem Community Fund, as well as the churches and other institutions providing space.
“We’re very grateful to have the partnership with the Bethlehem Community Fund and the Chamber of Commerce,” said Clarkson. “It could not have been done without them. We expect that like the Turkey Trot, if you give people in Bethlehem an event that fits in with the holidays and family gatherings, it will take off. We’re all looking forward to the launch of First Night Bethlehem and hope it will be the first of many!”
