Long before hearing the popular verses of “Auld Lang Syne” ringing in the New Year at midnight, families will begin celebrating the start of another year with their children before heading out in the evening.
It’s a celebration that dates back at least 4,000 years to Babylon and that continues today in a variety of forms from First Night celebrations for kids and families to partying all night long “on the town” or at the homes of friends and relatives.
It all begins on Monday with the area’s longest-running First Night in Northampton, where for the 28th time the city will play host to a 12-hour, family-friendly festival of the arts that includes an unending lineup of entertainment presented by hundreds of talented performers at 20 downtown venues.
This year’s show continues a longtime Northampton tradition which event organizer Penny Burke, executive director of the Northampton Center for the Arts said “has had its recent challenges.”
“We’ve had the loss of several large venues such as Union Station ballroom, Pleasant Street Theater, and a couple of churches. So, we’ve had to piece together this year’s event with some different venues including the TD Bank lobby, the former Dynamite Records space in Thornes Marketplace, as well as other sites,” said Burke.
“I think we have created a successful program for 2012. There is something for everybody all day long. Events will take families through the afternoon and early evening with the kids before transitioning into our evening activities,” she added.
Burke noted more shows have been added to First Night’s opening line-up at noon. There will be an exciting First Night Circus in the ballroom at the Center for the Arts and some amazing tricks performed by the A2Z Yo-Yo Team at the Academy of Music, as well as the engaging Caravan Puppets at the former Dynamite Records space in Thornes Marketplace.
Traditions are important, noted Burke, and those who look forward to the Family Parade each year will find it kicking off again at 1 p.m. with the OffBeat Drumming Ensemble and Hooping Harmony leading the way through the streets.
By 2 p.m., the party will be in full swing with an afternoon and evening filled with enough variety to keep young and old alike happy. This year’s musical sampling includes performances by The Nields, Peter Blanchette, Boxcar Lilies, Seth Glier, and Rusty Belle. A dozen dance troupes take the stage at the Academy of Music with programs from hip hop to ballet to flamenco. And there are popular First Night favorites returning, including Roger Salloom, The Ha-Ha’s, Evelyn Harris, The O-Tones, Trailer Park, and Lord Russ as Elvis. First Night “first-timers” this year include The Sun Parade, the Valley Rock Choir, and Poor Old Shine. Klezamir and The Pangeans will host a dance party at the Center for the Arts from 7 to 11 p.m. Also, local bands will appear at multiple venues throughout the celebration of the New Year.
The Northamptones will return to the Academy of Music for a 7 p.m. show followed by two opportunities to catch the marvelous wonders of “Valve: Antique Vaudeville Circus.”
“Everyone wants to see our beloved Northamptones, an a cappella group from Northampton High School. As events go, this is a big one. They attract a very good crowd and we’ve tried to persuade them to use a larger venue like John M. Greene Hall at Smith College, but they are wedded to the Academy,” said Burke.
Kids will find plenty of action to amuse them on the last day of the year with Henry the Juggler, Ed the Balloon Man, Mister G and PaintBox Theatre, among many other kid-friendly entertainers.
“Kids have a great time as long as the weather cooperates,” said Burke.
Other highlights of the evening are the fireworks display from the roof of the city’s parking garage at 6:15 p.m. and the traditional ball-raising – not ball dropping – from the roof of the Hotel Northampton at midnight.
“And it doesn’t cost a thing to watch the fireworks or the ball usher in the New Year,” said Burke.
Burke noted their first night is not simply a Northampton affair.
“We have people travel from all over to attend our First Night celebration from upstate New York to Boston to Vermont and Connecticut. And, even in the most challenging of weather, we have never had a performer not show up, the show must go on,” said Burke.
A single button opens the doors to every event at every venue all day on New Year’s Eve. Buttons are priced at $16 for adults if purchased by December 30. The price increases to $20 on the day of the event. There is a special prices of $10 for seniors 65 and over and kids 2-10 are $8. There is also a $10 “Adult Day Only” button that is honored until 6 p.m. Kids under 2 are free. Buttons can be purchased online or at area sales vendors listed at www.firstnightnorthampton.org. A special First Night box office will also be open at Thornes Marketplace on Dec. 30 from noon to 5 p.m. and Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Holyoke lays claim to the second-longest running First Night in the area beginning as early as 10 a.m. on Monday, when the 16th annual First Night Jr. kicks off at Heritage State Park – home to the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, Children’s Museum at Holyoke, Volleyball Hall of Fame, and the park’s Visitors Center.
“Kids love being a part of the New Year’s Eve celebration which traditionally favored more adult partying in the evening,” said Marianne Holden, operations manager at the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, who is helping to organize the annual event.
The six-hour fun fest, which runs until 4 p.m., costs $6 per person in advance or $7 the day of the event, and includes all entertainment and admission to the Children’s Museum and Volleyball Hall of Fame, as well as unlimited rides on the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round.
Entertainment and fun events, spread throughout the four buildings, will include magic shows by Ed Popielarczyk, musical performances by Bill Shontz and Roger Tincknell, juggling by Bill Ross, and “Costuming with Balloons” by Mr. K. Participants can also watch Mike Rondeau create a beautiful and shiny ice sculpture and be greeted by costumed characters including Sparky the Fire Dog and Lewis the Duck. There will also be face painting and balloon sculptures.
“We also have a new and special craft activity this year at the Volleyball Hall of Fame, where kids can paint or decorate a mini-basketball as part of a promotion for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s and women’s basketball championship coming to the MassMutual Center in March,” said Holden.
The fun family event will end with a New York-style, sparkling disco-like ball drop to ring in 2012 officiated over by Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse at 3:45 p.m. The festive sounds of the Holyoke High School Marching Band will add to the merriment of the exciting countdown.
Tickets are on sale at the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and at the Children’s Museum. For more information, call the Merry-Go-Round at 413-538-9838 or visit holyokemerrygoround.org or call the Children’s Museum at 413-536-7048 or visit childrensmuseumholyoke.org.
First Night Jr. is sponsored in part by the Holyoke Cultural Council, People’s Bank, Holyoke Parks and Recreation Department, and the MassMutual Center.
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It’s a formal affair on New Year’s Eve at the Knights of Columbus Council 4044 where “jackets are required” for this year’s themed dinner show entitled “Voices of Vegas” at the Castle of Knights on 1599 Memorial Drive in Chicopee.
“We’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve at what we are calling our Castle Casino at the Knights of Columbus for a long time now. We try to change the theme every year and several years ago we had a James Bond theme when we introduced the casino, and we’ve also had a New York City night when we broadcast all the Times Square events on a large screen,” said event chairman Donald Darcy.
“It’s going to be a nice formal affair. Men must wear jackets and we see a variety of styles from women who dress up in everything from formal gowns to cocktail dresses. We’re hoping for 400 to 500 people, so we open both sides of our hall including the fireplace side where we have the casino,” he added.
This year’s party begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour including a cheese, fruit and veggie display, platters of canapés at each dinner table, and a cash bar.
The event will feature their Castle Casino complete with roulette tables, cash wheel, chug-a-lug, and a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize in the Vegas Raffle. The price for a raffle ticket is $10 or 3 for $25.
The casino will temporarily close at 7 p.m. to begin serving a five-course dinner accompanied by a performance by Liza Minnelli as interpreted by tribute artist Lisa Carter. Known for her impersonations of Cher, Carter will also bring along Marilyn Monroe. Also, the voices of Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Dean Martin will be performed by Dave Colucci.
Following a vegetable stuffed spinach ravioli appetizer, the Castle Casino’s signature salad and a classic lemon sorbet, diners will have a choice of four entrées: pan seared salmon topped with shrimp mousse and hollandaise sauce; Tournedos Oscar grilled medallions of beef tenderloin topped with asparagus, crabmeat and béarnaise sauce; chicken cordon bleu topped with prosciutto ham, smoked mozzarella and white wine cheese sauce; and mushroom wellington served with a roasted garlic and red pepper cream sauce. All entrées are served with seasonal fresh vegetables and roasted potatoes. And, the dessert is a surprise.
After dinner, the casino will reopen until 11 p.m. along with the Vegas sounds of Dave Colucci for dancing until 1 a.m.
A champagne toast, party hats and noisemakers will help everyone ring in the New Year along with a midnight buffet of sandwiches, desserts, tea and coffee.
Event tickets are $60 per person with a $5 discount for KC members. Ticket are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. in the members’ lounge and at the banquet office 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
For questions or ticket information, call 413-534-4749 or visit www.kofc4044.com or www.castleofknights.com
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This year there’s a new player in town when it comes to First Nights – the folks in Wilbraham have planned a big First Night as a kickoff to their 250th Anniversary Celebration.
And, they have enlisted the talents of the world-famous Grucci Brothers – who are responsible for the Star Spangled Fourth of July fireworks each year in Springfield – to end the night’s celebration at 8 p.m. with one of their magnificent colorful displays of nighttime sky art.
All events – geared for families – are free and run from 3 to 8 p.m. in various locations around the center of town.
As part of their partnership with Wilbraham’s 250th Anniversary Committee, Wilbraham Monson Academy is hosting a variety of events on their campus as part of First Night. The Chapel will be the site of three events, the Minnechaug Madrigals at 3:15 p.m., Minnechaug Jazz Band at 4:30 p.m., and September Girls at 6 p.m. Also, the Old Post Road Orchestra will perform in the Dining Hall at 6 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by the fireworks which will be shot from Hugh Harrell Field.
Also, United Church will be the site of a bake sale while playing host to children’s entertainer Jonathan O’Neill in the Sanctuary at 3 p.m. and the 1220 Band at 3 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Mark Jacobson and the Bell Ringers and Choir will perform in the Sanctuary at 5:30 p.m.
The Wilbraham Pubic Library will be invaded by Shriners Clowns from 3-5 p.m., and there will be performances by the Pumpernickel Puppets at 3:30 p.m., presentations by Wilbraham Youth Ambassadors at 4:45 p.m., and the magic of Ed Popielarczyk at 5:30 p.m.
Opening remarks by various town dignitaries to kick off the yearlong celebration will be held at 4:45 p.m. in Crane Park. For more information, call Patti Diotalevi at 413-596-6038.
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Players enjoy the slots at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn.
The countdown to the New Year will be non-stop at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn., where they are bringing back their New Year’s Eve Countdown at The Shops Concourse along with exclusive parties in a number of their venues including the new Lansdowne Irish Pub Music House, and at the new MIST inside Casino of the Wind, which will open for the first time, among several others.
The Shops at Mohegan Sun will host thousands of partygoers as the clock approaches midnight. DJae Mêlée will be live outside Todd English’s Tuscany and big screen projectors will be placed throughout the concourse to display the countdown broadcast live from Times Square in New York. The large concourse will also feature concessions.
Entertainment will include their last show of the year – Cyndi Lauper – in the Mohegan Sun Arena at 7:30 p.m. “The Funniest New Year’s Eve Party in Connecticut” will bring comedians to the Cabaret Theatre to laugh-in 2012, featuring “The Coach” Tom Whiteley, Jim David and Joey Vega. The show starts at 10 p.m. New Year’s Eve also brings Mike DelGuidice Big Shot to the Wolf Den for an 8 p.m. show followed by The Groovematics at 11 p.m. The Wolf Den is free and all guests must be 21 or older.
For complete details, visit www.mohegansun.com
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Foxwoods Resort Casino in nearby Mashantucket, Conn., will also usher in the New Year with an assortment of entertainment and dining deals. Events kick off on Friday with what they are calling a pre-New Year’s Eve bash with the Backstreet Boys, who will be performing at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods. Other pre-New Year’s Eve entertainment includes Harry Connick, Jr. on Saturday in the MGM Grand Theater followed on New Year’s Eve by comedian Ron White. There will also be celebrations on New Year’s Eve at High Rollers Luxury Lanes and Lounge, Scorpion Nightclub, SHRINE, Hard Rock Café, as well as a night of laughs at Comix at Foxwoods where Comix Countdown will last until 3 a.m. with Emmy-winning comedian Paul Mecurio and Dueling Pianos. Special New Year’s Eve menus will be offered at several restaurants, including High Rollers, Paragon, Golden Dragon, Al Dente, Cedars Steak House, and Veranda Café. Al Dente, Cedars and Paragon are also offering late seatings at 10:30 p.m. with a champagne toast. Additional information is available by visiting www.foxwoods.com
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