First Night Akron

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

First Night Promises Surprises on the Last Night of 2006

First Night® Akron 2007 is sure to delight guests with an element of surprise this New Year’s Eve. Imagine a juggler who paints without touching his canvas, a mysterious glowing dragon in the canal, or even a group of tango dancers making their way through the halls. This year, as favorite performers from the past return, and new, engaging artists and activities make their debut, First Night will once again bring the community together to experience the unique moment that takes place as the calendar turns from 2006 to 2007.

A Kick-off Show at Lock 3 Park will get the party started at 4:45 p.m. with a “Countdown to First Night” and mini fireworks display at 5 p.m. First Night’s very own “Jack”- the outgoing jester who seeks out fun wherever he can find it- will host the show, which is sponsored by Time Warner Cable. First Night Kids Club Members are invited to help Jack and his television friends find First Night’s magic during the Kick-off Show. The magic, which escaped from his box, must be found so First Night can start on time! Kids interested in joining First Night Kids Club can find out more by visiting www.firstnightakron.org.

There’s plenty to do at this family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts, and it’s not an all-or-nothing evening. Parents can create New Year’s Eve memories with the kids at First Night before tucking them in with a sitter, or invite family and friends and stay for the entire celebration. Or drop by later in the evening to catch a few of the great entertainers that close out the evening before the fireworks display at midnight. First Night can fit into your plans, whatever they might be.

First Night is the only opportunity to see The Akron Symphony on New Year’s Eve! Under the stars of the Civic Theatre, the Akron Symphony will present a musical mix from Brahms and Strauss, to the disco hits of the 70s, and the magic of Motown.

Teens will have a place of their own this year at The Teen Spot, the newly expanded teen venue at the John S. Knight Center’s Goodyear Ballroom. The fun begins at 6 p.m. with InfoCision Management Corporation’s First Night® Idol, the 4th annual high school singing competition. The first ever Teen Dance follows the competition, complete with professional hip-hop artists demonstrating the latest dance steps.

The National Inventors Hall of Fame will be just the place for “tweens”, ages 10-13. Featuring unique, hands-on and interactive entertainment created just for them. Families can challenge each other to trivia games, bowling, and take home a free souvenir photo.

Want to learn to dance like the stars? Watch the professionals at the John S. Knight Center show you how the tango is done, then dance into 2007 as they lead in tango instruction from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Discover downtown’s Northside District. The emerging arts and cultural district, complete with galleries, retail and housing will be showcased on New Year’s Eve. Getting there is easy! Hop on one of the City of Akron’s trolleys from 5-9:30 p.m. and get the scoop on downtown’s history on the way to the Northside District. Check out Testa Companies’ Northside Lofts while listening to great music, viewing ice carving and glass blowing demonstrations, and shopping at the galleries.

Get married this New Year’s Eve! Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning once again presents “Chapel in the Moonlight” at Main Place. Official wedding ceremonies must be scheduled. Wedding vow renewals take place throughout the evening, so drop in and make this First Night even more memorable.

Head to the Main Stage at 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. for First Night's Countdown Shows followed by FirstMerit Bank's festive Firework Celebrations at 9 p.m. and midnight.

Say goodbye to 2006 as an evening full of surprises culminates with a magical celebration. Be there as the clock strikes midnight and Sky Bank's Midnight Surprise is revealed.

As always, First Night is family friendly and alcohol free with entertainment packed into 20 downtown sites. More than 30 visual and interactive art activities and 50 performing artists and groups, representing dance, theater, and music make the evening one guests will never forget.

Metro buses make it easy to see it all! The buses will run the First Night loop all night long.

Admission to First Night Akron is a $10 button, and children under 10 years old are free. Buy admission buttons online at www.firstnightakron.org until December 27. Buttons are also available at all Acme Fresh Market stores and participating FirstMerit bank branches. For more information, including a complete schedule of First Night entertainment, visit the website: www.firstnightakron.org. First Night is a program of Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding Partners of the program are the City of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal.