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First Night Raleigh plans thrilling start to 2014

The annual celebration in downtown Raleigh will include the new Rock Star ride, a magic carpet that will take people about 50 feet in the air.

Posted Updated

By
Kathy Hanrahan
RALEIGH, N.C. — About 80,000 people are expected to converge on downtown Raleigh Tuesday evening for the annual First Night New Year's Eve celebration.

In addition to the Ferris wheel, there will be a new carousel and new ride dubbed the Rock Star. This magic carpet-like ride will take people about 50 feet in the air. 

Crews worked to build the carousel and Rock Star rides on Monday. 

This year, the annual event will take on an international focus with performers from around the globe hitting the stage and streets to entertain crowds. 

The party begins at 2 p.m. with the Children's Celebration at Bicentennial Plaza at the North Carolina Museum of History and Natural Sciences.

Fireworks and an early New Year's acorn drop for children are at 7 p.m., and the second drop and grand finale is at midnight. Urban funk band Big Sam's Funky Nation gets the coveted spot on stage for the acorn drop. 

A $13 all-day pass for adults grants admission to nearly 100 performances in three locations across downtown as well as other activities. Children ages 6 to 12 can get all-day access for $10, and children under the age of 5 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult with a pass.

Country singer Jason Michael Carroll, who is from Youngsville, will be performing songs from his new album on the WRAL stage in City Plaza. Tune in to hear him live on WRAL's First Night Raleigh coverage beginning at 10 p.m. on Fox 50 and catch more First Night coverage on WRAL from 11 p.m. until the acorn drops.

First Night Raleigh has a free smartphone app available for download from iTunes or Google Play that will provide information while on the go, including where to park and where performances will be held.

 

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