FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, December 7, 2007
CONTACT: Kimberlee McKee
330-762-8555 (phone); 330-762-6622 (fax)
kmckee@downtownakron.com
Community Encouraged to Light Up
Its First Night Buttons
Art's Patron buttons celebrates local arts and local artists.
Akron, Ohio – Northeast Ohio leaders are encouraging the community to show its support of local arts by lighting up its First Night buttons this year.
These limited edition, collectible buttons allow access into all First Night events on New Years Eve, as well as help fund First Night’s talented local artists. Buttons feature artist Linda Hutchinson’s design, accented with colorful chaser lights and a special Arts Patron star.
“First Night Akron is the largest showcase of local artists in Summit County,” said Russell Pry, Summit County Executive. “We are fortunate to have a flourishing community with diverse artists and dedicated art supporters. I encourage all art lovers – whether they have plans on New Year’s Eve or not – to light up their First Night button this year to show the strength of Summit County’s commitment to the arts.”
In its 12th year offering a family-friendly, New Year’s Eve celebration,First Night® Akron 2008 is an invitation to community members from every neighborhood and neighboring city to share in the arts experience.
“The City of Akron is proud to be a founding sponsor of First Night,” said Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic. “Akron is a family-friendly place that values the visual and performing arts. I urge our residents to consider lighting-up the night by becoming a special arts patron of First Night 2008.”
Arts Patron buttons are the perfect gift for the art lover (or the person who has everything) on your list. Replace the traditional bottle of wine or hostess gift with an Arts Patron Button this year. Regardless of anyone’s location on New Year’s Eve, these buttons portray pride in the arts community any time of the year.
Arts Patron Buttons cost $20 and include admission to First Night Akron, as well as help fund First Night’s talented local artists. Arts Patron button are available exclusively at Don Drumm Studios, Acme Fresh Market on W. Market, the Akron Art Museum store, The Library Shop on Main, Stage Left Boutique, Carolyn’s Cupboard (in Wadsworth) and online at www.firstnightakron.org.
As always, First Night is family-friendly and alcohol free with entertainment packed into 21 downtown sites (19 sites are indoors!). More than 30 visual and interactive art activities and 50 performing artists and groups, representing dance, theater, and music make the evening one you’ll never forget. Metro buses make it easy to stay warm while you see it all! They’ll transport your family and friends as you discover the magic of First Night. The excitement will culminate when the Midnight Countdown Show begins at 11:30 p.m. featuring Cats on Holiday. Then kiss 2007 goodbye with a bang as the FirstMerit Fireworks display fills the sky to Today’s Best Music courtesy of 98.1 WKDD.
Admission to First Night Akron is a $10 button. Children under 10 years old are admitted free. Buy admission buttons online at www.firstnightakron.org until December 25. Traditional admission buttons are also available at all Acme Fresh Market stores and participating FirstMerit bank branches.
First Night is a program of Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding Partners of the program are the City of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal.
For more information, including a complete schedule of First Night entertainment, visit the website: www.firstnightakron.org.
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