Plenty Of Fun Planned For All Ages

At 15th Annual First Night

DANBURY — The First Night Danbury Board of Directors invites all ages to join Danbury’s 15th annual traditional, spirited family-fun celebration event of New Year’s Eve. This year’s gala features 28 performers and activities at 20 venues throughout CityCenter Danbury for seven hours of non-stop fun.

Local talent and performers from Boston and New York will include musicians, comedians, jugglers, dance karaoke and children’s entertainment. The frivolity runs from 5 pm to midnight with excitement for all ages. Performances repeat throughout the evening so partygoers can choose from the dozens of activities presented at indoor venues within easy walking distance of First Night Headquarters — the CityCenter Danbury office at the corner of Main and West streets.

Young child and inner child alike will delight in the fun filled rock music of Gigi & The Lend A Hand Band, the children’s story of Anansi, Spiderman of Africa performed by Crabgrass Puppet Theater, a sing-along with the duo Omm Mama, and the rhythms and instruments of the world from World Beat Music & Dance.

For those who crave participatory entertainment, choices include an Escape to the Arts crafts workshop for children, open skating at Danbury Ice Arena, karaoke at the Palace Theater, non-stop amazement with Magic Marty, or guaranteed laughter with The Frank Santos Comedy Hypnosis Show.

At 7 pm the Danbury Green at Post Office Plaza will be the gathering place for the Gala People’s Procession, a noisy parade around the square to the accompaniment of bells, whistles, horns and kazoos and larger-than-life puppets supplied by First Night artists. The green will also be the scene of a festive celebration following the procession and the judging of the Best Hat of the Evening contest.

An incredible assortment awaits music lovers: Well-known Boston blues/jazz pianist David Maxwell, the joyful gospel presentations of The Soul Lifters, ethnic music by The Sounds of Bossa Nova, and the Latin guitarist Carlos Hernandez. Returning favorites include comedic singer/storyteller Bob Stanhope, rock band Clashing Headstocks, folk singer Dan Lyon, and the spicy gumbo of The Zydecats.

Free shuttles of the CityCenter Trolley will transport First Night revelers to venue locations throughout the evening. Free coffee and goodies provided by the Sunrise Rotary Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Terrace Place will warm up those who chose to walk from venue to venue from 7:30 to 11 pm.

A First Night button gives admission to all performances and transportation. Buttons cost $10 for adults and $7 for children under 12 and seniors over 62, and can be purchased in Bethel at Artworks and Bethel Food Market; in Danbury at CityCenter Office, Danbury Town Clerk’s office, Deep’s Market, JKs, Marcus Diary, the Patriot Parking Garage, The News Times, Tribuna Newspaper, and the Windmill Diner. Newtown Savings Banks, Savings Bank of Danbury and Union Savings Bank offices also have buttons for sale. For additional information and event schedule call 792-1711.