The Springfield Area Arts Council’s annual First Night celebration is a year-end smorgasbord of art, music, dance, fireworks, friends and fun. It is also a fundraiser to benefit the various programs and services provided by the Springfield Area Arts Council, such as grants and resources for local artists, arts organizations and other social services that provide local arts programming and the Arts-in-Education programs in Sangamon and Menard counties.
Even though the event is called First Night, the fun has actually expanded to include multiple days. For the second year in a row, the celebration kicks off with a family friendly 5K run/walk/stroll on Sunday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m., at Scheels All Sports. Registration for the 5K is $25 and all participants will have an opportunity to purchase a discounted admission wristband at registration. To preregister for the 5K, visit http://SpringfieldArtsCo.org.
Previous First Night attendees will notice one change right off the bat: the introduction of admission wristbands as opposed to buttons. Event organizers report that they are always interested in trying new things and hope the introduction of wristbands will attract new attendees and be a welcome change to regulars. Adult wristbands can be purchased in advance for $15 or at the door for $18. Children’s wristbands are $5 apiece. Purchase your band online at http://hctfa.org or in person at the Hoogland Center for the Arts Box Office, all Springfield, Sherman and Chatham County Market locations, Schnucks,
Recycled Records and Robbie’s Restaurant.
Another new feature is the introduction of a First Night Family Pack, which consists of two adult and two children’s wristbands for just $30. The family pack is available for purchase at the Hoogland Center for the Arts Box Office.
A star-studded entertainment lineup is standard for First Night; however, organizers are always excited to welcome new performers each year. The list of new performers for 2015 includes: JDS Dazzler Dance Company, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra’s String Trio, Juke House band, Classical Dances of India, Mark McKnight Quartet, David Tell/North American Flutes, Ocean State, Sugar & Space, singer/songwriter Kristen Nelson, Jesse W. Johnson and John O’Connor as Mr. Lincoln.
Day-of activities start Dec. 31 at 1 p.m. at Springfield High School’s Schnirring Auditorium. The school will host a variety of hands-on and free childrens’ activities from 1-4 p.m. as well as feature special performances by dancers, a puppet show, face painting, clay sculptures, juggling, harmonica workshops and more. No wristband is required to enjoy the free children’s activities, though attendees will need to purchase a wristband to attend any and all indoor events after 4 p.m.
From 5-7 p.m., the party moves to the Hoogland Center for the Arts dining room for a delicious buffet dinner catered by Arena Food Service. Entertainment will be provided by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra String Trio, who will perform a variety of classics.
Dinner is by reservation only, costs $30 per person and includes one wristband to all First Night activities and performances. To attend the dinner, make your reservations by Dec. 27.
As day turns to night, musicians, dancers, magicians, jugglers, storytellers and other entertainers will fill seven rooms across five downtown Springfield venues. The Hoogland Center for the Arts, Lincoln Library, Grace Lutheran Church sanctuary, First Presbyterian Church sanctuary and the Lincoln Home Visitor’s site will all host performances from 6-11:15 p.m.
Entertainment will cease from 7:45-8:30 p.m. for the annual fireworks display at Fourth and Capitol. This year’s fireworks show is sponsored by Horace Mann Companies and pyrotechnics will be supplied and executed by Nostalgia Pyrotechnics. Another new twist to the evening is that the fireworks ceremony will be followed by a foam ball blast which offers a fun opportunity to win cash prizes. The fireworks are scheduled to begin promptly at 8 p.m. and there is no cost to attend the outdoor display.
Entertainment will resume at 8:30 and end promptly by 11:15 p.m. so that families may travel safely home, attend other events and/or also enjoy their own private holiday celebrations while the ball drops. For more information on First Night and the Springfield Arts Council, visit http://SpringfieldArtsCo. org or call 753- 3519.
Contact Nan Bulli at nbulli@illinoistimes.com.
