FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2006
CONTACT: Sarah Steidl, Communications Director
330-762-8555 (phone); 330-762-6622 (fax)
ssteidl@downtownakron.com

Akron, OH (Nov. 1, 2006) – First Night’s admission button came to life Wednesday morning when an oversized jack-in-the box popped open and “Jack” jumped out.  Jack, a real life replica of this year’s button art, revealed the button art to the public.
                       
First Night Button Artist Jon C. Lund, Hudson, created the button to reflect the many surprises and fun First Night producers have in store for guests this New Year’s Eve. The button, which will be worn by thousands at the 11th annual New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts in downtown Akron, features a friendly jester who is ready for fun as he bursts out of his box.

“I needed a metaphor for an exciting new beginning or surprising moment,“ says Lund. “You never know what you’re going to see pop out of the New Years box.”

The button art has been a driving force behind the theme of First Night this year.

“The button embodies the First Night experience,“ said Communications Director Sarah Steidl. “You can expect a surprise at every turn this year.”

A mountain of toys provided by Thinker Toys (3887 Medina Road), surrounded the life size jack-in-the-box. Thinker Toys made the donation in support of First Night and delivered the toys to Akron Children’s Hospital after the button unveiling.

As always, First Night is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event.  Admission buttons go on sale Friday, November 24 and are $10 for adults. Admission is free for children under 10 years of age.  Buttons can be purchased online at www.firstnightakron.org, as well as any Acme Fresh Market, participating FirstMerit Banks, Stage Left Boutique at Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Beacon Journal Customer Service Desk, The Word Christian Resource Centers (Akron & Parma Hts.), Borders Books & Music-Chapel Hill, and The Library Shop on Main.
First Night Akron is a program of the Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding partners are the City of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal.