First Night Akron

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2006
CONTACT: Sarah Steidl, Communications Director
330-762-8555 (phone); 330-762-6622 (fax)
ssteidl@downtownakron.com

First Night Introduces Time Warner Cable's Kick-off Show

The eleventh annual First Night® Akron will begin with a bang Sunday, Dec. 31 during Time Warner Cable’s Kick-off Show at Lock 3 Park. First Night’s very own “Jack”- the outgoing jester who seeks fun wherever he can - will host the show, which begins at 4:45 p.m. The show will feature music, entertainment and the unveiling of the 38th and final panel of the City of Akron’s Countdown to First Night calendar, which is located on the large wall of the O’Neil’s Parking Deck adjacent to Lock 3 Park. First Night® Akron 2007 will officially begin at 5 p.m. with a mini fireworks celebration.

First Night Kids Club members are invited to be part of the show! Bring your First Night shakers and meet Jack at 4:30 p.m. inside at the KinderZone. Not a member yet? Joining the First Night Kids Club is easy! Kids can sign up at the KinderZone on Dec. 31 from 2-4 p.m. and create their own Kids Club shaker. Members will become special guest performers as they help Jack and his friends Scooby Doo and Shaggy find First Night’s magic. The magic, which escaped from Jack’s New Year’s box, must be found so First Night can start on time! Kids interested in joining First Night Kids Club can learn more by visiting www.firstnightakron.org.

As always, First Night is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. Buttons can be purchased online until Dec. 27 or at 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. Buttons are $10, children under 10 are free when accompanied by a button-wearing adult.

For more information, visit www.firstnightakron.org. First Night Akron is a program of the Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding partners are the City of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal.