For the 27th year, downtown Raleigh will mark the new year with First Night, a collection of dozens of performances, programs and fire works displays.
It all begins at 2 p.m. with a DIY Festival at the state history and natural sciences museums with all kinds of family-friendly activities. The focus then moves to downtown with a 7 p.m. early countdown and fireworks show (for those of us who like to be snug in our beds at midnight). A second countdown with fireworks is at midnight. And don't forget the
Ferris wheel and the
F5 amusement ride!
I checked in with Terri Dollar, who has been programming this very popular event for 20 years, to find out what's new and what families should know before they go.
If you plan on going (and I highly recommend it. This is a tradition for my family),
get your First Night passes now. They are $11 in advance (children 5 and under are admitted free).
Go Ask Mom: This is the 27th year for First Night Raleigh. How has it grown in those years? How much bigger is it than that first celebration?
Terri Dollar: First Night Raleigh has grown tremendously in the past 27 years. I personally have been programming the event for 20 years this year, and I can say that we have grown as downtown Raleigh has grown. When I started in 1998, downtown was deserted at night - especially on New Year's Eve. We were the only festival who dared to bring folks out at night. Some of our audience was worried that downtown was not safe or had no clue where to park or even asked us the question, "Where is downtown?"
Now folks know downtown as a place to go for fun, especially on New Year's Eve. Ann Smith, who we call the mother of First Night Raleigh and was the impetus that made it happen back when it began, always says that the first year they had First Night they just hoped 1,000 people would come. That night, 4,000 came, and they were delighted! At this point, a good weather First Night can bring almost 100,000 people out.
GAM: The state history and natural sciences museums used to host what was called a children's celebration, but, last year, it was renamed the
DIY Festival. What's changed about it? What's different?
TD: We felt compelled to shake things up a bit. Times have changed, we believe. Families are looking for entertainment and activities they can do together - not just take the kids and stand there and watch them have fun. We want our artists to talk about why they do things and how they do things and have folks learn how to do new things as well as do fun things they already know about!
GAM: What new things are you excited about at First Night - especially for families?
TD: The
Jolly Raleigh Singing Trolley is new and I am super excited about that! You jump on the trolley and two amazing singer/actors will lead you on a sing-a-long journey. Also ...
Lumens. These guys are from Montreal and their show is mesmerizing. I can see families loving this. And the
Seed Art Share theatre shows. It's a moveable play. Super fun! For those, meet at main stage at 4:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
GAM: What long-time favorites are you most excited about?
GAM: What are your top recommendations for families that plan to make the trek downtown on Dec. 31?
TD: Plan ahead! Don't just wait until you get down here to decide what to do.
Download the mobile app to help you. Plan two or three things you really want to do and make a plan to get there and have a backup in case venues are full. Plan where to park. I suggest parking near where you want to end up at the end of the evening.
Push the envelope a little and keep the kids out until 9 p.m. Shake things up a bit and take in one of the early Lumens shows or improv shows. Be sure to take a turn in learning to play the steel pan drums at the N.C. Museum of History where you'll find
School Yard Harmonics in Daniels Auditorium.
Play
neon art putt in the afternoon starting at 2 p.m. before the crowds get bigger in the evening. Bring strollers, wagons etc. And, for the little ones, dress in layers. Wear comfortable clothes. First Night is not a dressy affair. Get your New Year's photo at the photo opp on the courthouse steps!
