26 December 2007

Why Don't We Have a First Night Celebration?

Akron, Canfield, Columbus, Salem, Youngstown. What do these Ohio cities have that Cincinnati does not? First Night.

First Night, is a nationwide phenomenon, started in Boston in 1976. It is a family-friendly way to welcome in the New Year. I have never been to a First Night event. In fact, I had never heard of it, until told about it by some relatives a few days ago. They attend every year at their home in Ft. Collins, CO, and they couldn't believe we didn't have one. I may have to travel to Columbus for this year's event to see what it is all about.

I am interested in helping to start such an event in Cincinnati. Is anyone out there interested in this? Seems to me it should be on Fountain Square area, but maybe a different area would be more suitable.


5chw4r7z said...

The First Night in Youngstown is really popular, I only made it to the first one, then I've been here in Cincy. They had performances all over downtown Youngstown and then capped it off with fireworks. My neighbors back there go every year and love it.
I would say it could be successful here but I bet it really works in other places because there is really nothing else to do. having said that, it would be a no-brainer to make Fountain Square the centerpiece, with skating and the fireworks. Musical events could be held in the public areas of the Weston and Tower Place Mall, and maybe a few other places.
Good idea.

Michelle S said...

Back in 1999 and 2000 we attended a fun event at the Peace Bell in Newport. I don't recall it being referred to as "First Night," but it was a family friendly open-air gathering. There was live music, street performers, fireworks, laser light show and then the huge bell boomed at midnight. I don't know if they still do it. We've become total homebodies on NY Eve since young children joined our lives. They've given us new incentive to avoid "amateur night". Now, all I want is a plate of cheese and crackers, some leftover Christmas cookies, and a bottle of something bubbly to split with my hubby while we watch home videos of....our kids. :-)

Mike said...

I would like to get out, even if it is not until midnight with the kids for some kind of celebration, and I haven't found anything in the Cincy area. I think I will be going to Columbus for their event, and I will report back.

VisuaLingual said...


This is already happening, and the skating is free. It would make sense to pool together CBD and OTR venues, and maybe connect them via that free 'trolley' bus thing. In Boston, it seems that every cultural institution, large and small, gets involved on some level [the best local comparison I can think of would be 20/20] -- you can wander around through various parts of the city to check out as many offerings as you're up for. Mike, this is a great idea!