Over the past few years, First Night has successfully created a fun filled atmosphere that appeals to our Teens, and this year is no different!

Although the event is scheduled to end at 9 pm, we are planning on keeping our Teen event open until 11:30 pm.  Toquet Hall will again be our Teen venue with “Battle of the Bands” entertainment.  We are currently searching for our bands, so if any of you want to recommend a local teen band, please let us know at firstnight@westportct.gov.

The First Night philosophy stresses an alcohol free drug free safe environment to celebrate the arts!  We take pride in offering this to our Teens.  Over the years, this message has been received and more and more Teens attend our event.  Please spread the word that New Year’s Eve at Toquet Hall will be packed with safe fun!

Barbara Pearson-Rac

Here’s a sneak peek at our new ad that will appear in the MinuteMan Newspaper. 

First Night Westport New Year Celebration

I have been involved with First Night Westport/Weston for over 14 years first as a Board member and now as President of the Board.  This year we were faced with economic challenges that had threatened the event.  But, the good news is, we have met the challenge and we are planning a New Year’s Eve party that everyone should enjoy!

Like most organizations, we have had to rethink how to scale back, be fiscally responsible and produce a show that will be remembered.  So, how did we do this? 

• This year, all venues are located in the downtown Westport area so everyone can walk easily from venue to venue.   
• And, we created an event that will end at 9 pm with one fantastic fireworks show! 
• Buttons will now be $10 and of course, children 2 and under are still free! 

For all of you families with young children, please DO NOT show up at the Saugatuck School.  We are moving all of our children’s entertainment to the Westport Y, TD Bank, the Westport Library and Town Hall.  And, there will be plenty of entertainment for the kids – they are our focus! 

Many families depend on certain activities for the children and we will offer them. 

• The inflatable park
• Face painting
• Balloon boy
• Caricaturist
• Horse drawn carriage rides
• And some new surprises to be announced later, so keep on reading this blog

Barbara Pearson-Rac

Miggs has done it again! 

THE BOARD MEMBERS OF WESTPORT FIRST NIGHT ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WILL BE SOME CHANGES IN THE VENUES THIS YEAR, FIRST NIGHT IS PLANNED TO BE ENTERTAINMENT NOT TO MISS !

The event will begin at 3PM and end at 9PM with an amazing fireworks display. The shortened schedule enables Westport to enjoy the fabulous entertainment that has been realized in the past and continues this year in spite of the economic downturn.  The event will be concentrated in the downtown Westport area within walking distance to all venues.  

The family-friendly entertainment will focus on children’s venues with additional venues for the enjoyment of all ages.

The First Night buttons, which allow access to ALL venues, will be selling for $10 each this year.  Children 2 and under, as always, will be free.  We expect to have a fun filled, safe and happy event.  Please join us in this wonderful, alcohol and drug free celebration of the arts and Welcome in the New Year in downtown Westport.  

Details of the event, as they become finalized, will be posted on our website www.firstnightww.com and in future news articles.

SEE YOU THERE!!!

Dear First Night Supporter,

Your support of First Night Westport/Weston continues a tradition that has been part of the fabric of our community life and spirit for 15 years. A tradition of celebrating the New Year through a celebration of the Arts and a tradition of community support. On behalf of the Board of Directors of First Night, our volunteers and attendees we wish to thank you for your support and for your commitment to First Night 2010.

You may have read reports of the financial difficulties facing First Night given, not only last year’s economic meltdown and ongoing downturn but also, winter’s worst storm that landed on December 31 2008. That event had a severe impact on our revenues.

Raising funds to present First Night 2010 is undoubtedly a challenge. First Night board members have been inundated with calls and messages and the message is clear “KEEP FIRST NIGHT GOING”.

We are committed to presenting a 16th First Night.
But we need your help.
With your early support, together, we can make this happen.

To ensure First Night 2010 please show your support by contributing to our fundraising drive. Please send your tax deductible donation to:
First Night Westport/Weston
PO Box 745
Westport CT

Barbara Pearson Rac, President
Denise Torve, Executive Director

While First Night 2009 is behind us, we are gearing up for First Night 2010.

Check out last year’s festival listings to get an idea of what you might see this year. Check back in early November for a complete list of this year’s festival activities!

 Thanks to all of the artist and participants of First Night 2009!

And a special thanks to our sponsors!

We look forward to First Night 2010!

Due to the weather conditions the fireworks have been cancelled by the fire marshall. Plans are to reschedule them at a later date. We will keep you posted via the blog.

Midi and the Modern Dance

“Ambience, intense lyrics, beautiful singing voices and basically anything that’s mature, intelligent rock…Midi’s tight live show and their surprisingly professional-sounding EP make the band full of promise…the thing sounds clear, mature, and the songs are varied enough to showcase their budding and wide-ranging indie-rock talents.”

Venue: Toquet Hall – 10:30 to Midnight

Your $15 button is all you need to attend this performance and all others at First Night Westport / Weston, New Year’s Eve 2009 celebration in Westport, CT. Go to www.FirstNightWW.com for details. Visitors are welcome from the nearby towns and cities in Fairfield County, CT. and beyond.

First Night Venue Map

To help you get around on New Year’s Eve in Downtown Westport, here is a map of the First Night Venues.