THE ARTS | First-rate follies

The Springfield Area Arts Council plans a slew of musical, dance, theatrical and arts-related performances on New Year’s Eve at seven locations in downtown Springfield. There’s something for everyone in the family. Free activities for kids are planned from 1-4 p.m. at Springfield High School. The evening kicks off with fireworks at 6:30 p.m. at Fourth Street and Capitol Avenue. Performers such as Storyteller Dan Keding, Hypnotist Dan Lornitis, Irish Dancers of Central Illinois, The Muni, LLCC Madrigals and more will dazzle you throughout the night at Lincoln Library, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Home, Grace Lutheran Church, Vachel Lindsay Home (reservations were required for the play, The Yellow Wallpaper) and Hoogland Center for the Arts. A finish to the festivities and the year includes a finale laser show to light up the New Year sky five minutes before midnight in front of the Hoogland. Attendees also have a chance to win cash prizes from a prize ball blast launched above the crowd.