First Night Danbury Will Again Offer Events For All Ages

DANBURY — The 16th annual First Night® celebration of the arts will take place on Friday, December 31, in over 20 venues throughout CityCenter Danbury. This year’s festivities will run from 5 pm until midnight and offer a blend of some of the area’s favorite performers and several new acts.

Revelers wear a First Night® button to gain entrance to all venues and activities. Buttons cost $10 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under and seniors over 62. Babes in arms are free.

Danbury Ice Arena will open its doors for open skate, Zero Gravity’s young acrobats will tumble, and Danbury Library’s Teen Council members will offer First Night Danbury® attendees an opportunity to make crazy hats and noisemakers for the Family Procession which will form at Library Plaza and continue down Main Street to the Danbury Green for the Hat Contest.

In addition, returning this year are the high-energy sounds of Hat City Blues Band, classical melodies of The Connecticut Choral Society, Danbury’s own barbershop The Madhatters, Magic Marty’s tricks, the comedic singer/storyteller skills of Bob Stanhope, and “I Played the Palace Karaoke,” led by The Spin Doctor.

The comedienne Nancy Tucker returns to First Night® Danbury this year along with the Zydecats, who will entertain with Zydeco music.

Joining these entertainers are new to First Night® local talent “Jazz for Juniors,” formed by J&B Band leader Billy Michael, and The Mellow Bellow Accordion Band.

Mix in the Lucky Show filled with magic, juggling and comedy, The Yo-Yo People and their amazing yo-yo tricks, Mark Rust and his family music show, Cinnamon Sky’s vocals and strings, Opera Highlights, the Typsy Gypsys’ own style of jazz, the tropical island pop music of The Key West Trio, the American roots music of Wild Goose Nation, Irish music by Liz McNicholl, and acoustic guitar playing by Marc Huberman, and there’s enough entertainment to keep everyone in the family in the party mood.

Family Fun Room, returning and being set up in a larger venue, will offer young revelers a variety of crafts to take home including face painting, spin art Frisbees, balloon animals, caricatures, temporary tattoos and sand art.

The evening will conclude with The Spin Doctor leading in the New Year at the “Countdown 2005 Dance Party” complete with plenty of good music, noise and streamers.

Trolleys traveling between all venue locations will provide free transportation. Bathrooms, free refreshments and a chance to rest a bit will be available at the Red Cross Chapter House at 2 Terrace Place, just one block off Main Street.

Parking is free in municipal lots and along city streets, or is available for $3 after 4:30 pm in the Patriot Garage on Delay Street.

This wholesome family festival of the arts is alcohol and drug free. For additional information call 792-1711 or visit www.FirstNightDanbury.org.

Buttons can be purchased in advance at Newtown Savings Bank, Newtown Senior Center, CityCenter Danbury’s office on Main Street, and many additional local sites.

Call CityCenter for additional button vendors and details.