THE CALENDAR

First Night Wednesday Dec. 31 Downtown Springfield 217-753-3519 www.springfieldartsco.org 7 pm-12am $12 in advance, $15 adults at door, $5 children anytime, $30 family package include 2 adults and 2 children

NEW YEAR’S EVE | First Night

For the past 22 years the Springfield Area Arts Council has made First Night Springfield the official New Year’s Eve event of the city. This year, the SAAC is keeping the old favorites and adding new festivities to the roster. “Magic is in the Air” is the theme of the event and it includes everything from magicians at Lincoln’s Home to Walter King, the spellbinder. During the day, enjoy family friendly activities at Springfield High School, such as hands on arts and crafts, a harmonica workshop, a drumming ensemble and more. Once the winter sun sets, adults have an array of musical performances to choose from, including new acts like Seraphim Women’s Group, Switchback, a Celtic American band, Stacy Sandoval Salsa music, local musician Ben Bedford playing Lincoln-era songs, the Debbie Ross Band and more. Guests can dress up in turn-of-the-century costumes and attend The Early American Ball at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum or go to Chase Bank and square dance. The variety of venues and activities allows everyone to be introduced to different genres of music and cultures. The midnight fireworks display is a reminder of the magic that comes with the beginning of a New Year.

Purchase tickets at the following locations
County Market - Springfield and Chatham locations
Kent’s IGA - 500 E Sangamon Ave, Petersburg
Schnucks - Springfield locations
Recycled Records - 625 E. Adams
Robbie’s Restaurant - 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza
Trout Lily Cafe - 218 S. Sixth St.
United Community Bank - Sangamon County branches
Village Market - Rochester