First Night started a few years back as an answer to the problem of not much else being offered besides staying up to midnight to watch the New York Times Square ball drop. Actually, I don't know how many people in Ohio stay up to watch the ball drop, but the point is, there wasn't much to do except stay up and drink. Not the best form of entertainment for kids or folks who were looking for some other kind of good time.
First Nights across the state are more than staying up until midnight. This is a time where the community arts groups shine, and families with kids of all ages can enjoy each other's company and think, "Gee, don't live in a neat place?" Generally, there is not just one location for events. For example, in Akron there is musical entertainment in several locations starting at 6:30 and going up until midnight. There is even an American Idol style singing contest for teens.
In Columbus there are over 150 performances to choose from in 15 different locations starting at 4:30. This one is the largest in the state, according to the website.
Youngstown is celebrating its 7th First Night in indoor and outdoor venues that end with a fireworks display at midnight.
If you know of more, let us know. Also check out the one I wrote about the First Night in Port Clinton.
1. Greetings from Sydney, Australia.
I've just written a story about a huge walleye being dropped at midnight tonight from a roof in Port Clinton, Ohio.
The story is posted in The World's First Multi-National e-Book, http://www.bdb.co.za/shackle/articles/walleye_capital.htm
It halso been published by the South Korean citizen reporters' journal OhmyNewsInternational, at http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?no=337581&rel_no=1
Happy New Year!
Posted at 3:59AM on Dec 31st 2006 by Eric Shackle