First Night Springfield - Hoogland Thursday, Dec. 31 6:30pm Hoogland Center for the Arts 420 S. Sixth Street 753-3519 or 523-2787 $15 adult, $5 youth (ages 5-18)

Performance and visual

Gather in front of the Center at 6:30 p.m. to kick off the Springfield Area Arts Council’s First Night celebration held at various locations downtown.

A soft, prize-ball blast will be launched above the crowd — with three lucky catchers reaping cash prizes of $25, $50 or $100. Throughout the evening, the Springfield Municipal Opera, Springfield Ballet Company, Springfield Theatre Centre, Debbie Ross Band, Senses and Ultraviolet perform in two theaters. Also at the Hoogland from 6-9 p.m., behold Prairie Art Alliance’s special exhibit: Ten by Ten for 2010. A variety of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase in the center’s lobby from 6–11 p.m. Closing ceremony for First Night is at 4th & Capitol, which will include a free fireworks display.