First Night 2010 is now a memory, but for many who volunteered and to those that attended, it is a fond memory of a community coming together to celebrate the beginning of a new decade with smiles and optimism.

There are so many people to thank because producing an event in seven venues with twenty two performers is an overwhelming endeavor.  So here goes. 

First Night is run by volunteers, people unselfishly giving their time for our community.  Every venue is overseen by site managers whose responsibilities are enormous to ensure that the attendees are safe, the entertainers are set up, the other volunteers are organized and if an emergency does crop up, they are prepared to handle it.  Thank you to Doug & Linda Johnston, Audrey Sparre, Kim Mathias, Patty Kondub, Rob Hauck Ginger Ewing and Susan Gold.

Traditionally the Weston Kiwanis sends volunteers to man a venue and this year was no different – so thank you Reed Ameden for coordinating your volunteers- they were terrific as usual.

Again, our teen volunteers are amazing.  Thanks to Builders Beyond Borders for helping set up the event.  Because of their assistance, we were able to prepare for the event without a hitch.  Craig Skinner deserves kudos for coordinating the Builders.  Craig’s sense of community and passion for volunteering was evident as he helped us where needed.  Thanks so much.  This year the Staples Interact Club volunteered at various venues and their help was much appreciated.

Three people deserve special thanks.  Ann Marie Flynn is our volunteer extraordinaire – her enthusiasm and energy to help is amazing.  George Underhill helped with our fundraising campaign and was instrumental in raising much needed revenues.  Freda Welsh was an invaluable resource for entertainment ideas and an incredible source of encouragement throughout the planning.

The Westport Weston Family Y was our headquarters for the event and also featured many of our entertainers – so it was a hub of activity.  Thanks to David Cohen for his help and a special thank you to Patti Cavallero who helps us not only on the day of the event, but the day after, the dreaded clean up day.

Although the event ended at 9 pm, Toquet Hall remained open until 11:30 so the teens could enjoy the Battle of the Bands.  Thanks to Marilyn Smith who work tirelessly to find the bands and coordinate and oversee this venue.

Now for Miggs.  Miggs Burroughs has designed 15 of the First Night buttons and this year’s design was again fabulous.  He is also responsible for the First Night website design which has gotten rave reviews.  There could not be a First Night without Miggs who helped meet all of our deadlines with dedication and enthusiasm.  Hats off to you!

This was a challenging year for First Night 2010 and the First Night Board deserves a very special thank you.  Allen Bomes, our Treasurer, expanded his role to help wherever he was needed.  Ed Fitzgerald broadened our technology presence and kept us out in cyberspace.  Bill Meyer handled the overwhelming job of recruiting and assigning volunteers as well as liaison to town agencies to solicit their help – he was incredible.  Frank Rac was everywhere, helping with fundraising, handling venues including managing the sound set up, and handling many of the last minute details.  Suzanne Adams did her usual great job of managing the button sales.

First Night depends on contributions from the community businesses, organizations and individuals.  And this year our sponsors deserve a huge thank you because without their financial support, First Night would have had to close its doors.  Thanks to Bigelow Tea, Downtown Merchants Association, The Human Services Council, The Masonic Lodge, Tauck Foundation, TD Bank, Webster Bank, Westport Patch, Westport Young Women’s League.

The Westport Minuteman deserves another thank you for the exceptional job in producing our program guide and the print advertisements that appeared in the paper.

Thanks to the Town of Westport for hosting the event and welcoming people into our community to join in the fun. 

This year we attempted to document the event, so please visit our website www.firstnightww.com.  And it is never too late to make a donation.  We will start our First Night 2011 plans shortly and we need all the help you can give.

Barbara Pearson-Rac

Board President

The event will run from 7 to 11:30pm with a break for the fireworks display at 9pm.

Enjoy the music and support your favorite. A prize of $125 will be awarded.

Toquet Hall is located at 58 Post Road East.

Buttons for entry to First Night events are $10. The button provides access to all performances. Click here for purchase locations and online ordering.

All of our entertainment is indoors, and although everything is in walking distance, parking your car a short distance from a venue is also possible.

So bundle up, wear your boots and join us because we will be there to make your First Night experience wonderful.

The entertainers, crews and lots of volunteers can’t wait to greet you, entertain you and help you celebrate 2010 as a community!

See you on Thursday! And, Happy New Year from the First Night Board!

Barbara Pearson-Rac

President of the First Night Westport Board

First Night Performers

Of course, you can just view the PDF and make notes of who you want to see and where and when they perform. Whatever is easier and most helpful to you so you enjoy the First Night activities!

The arts community is really excited about participating in this year’s First Night.  I think everyone needs to have some wholesome fun and what better time than to greet a New Year with optimism and good cheer.

We want to see our streets bustling with people going from event to event.  This year, our program guide (be sure to pick one up at any venue) has a First Night Planner so you can decide what performers you want to see and map out a strategy of getting from venue to venue. 

Buttons are on sale at the Westport Library, Senior Center, The Westport Weston Family Y, Oscar’s Deli and the Weston Hardware Store.  And, of course online at our website www.firstnightww.com.  On the day of the event, buttons are on sale at all of our venues.

And, what a deal – only $10 a button, children two and under are free.

If you see some frantic people running around, that will be First Night Board Members and volunteers.  Please, let us know how you are enjoying the event.  We need your feedback so we can continue to deliver a night to remember every year!!!

Barbara Pearson-Rac

President of the First Night Westport Board

Got a band?

Want a gig on New Year’s Eve?!?

Sign up for First Night’s Battle of the Bands

 Held at Toquet Hall

From 7pm to 11:30pm

 Free to enter but spaces are limited

Prize of $125  Awarded  

  TO ENTER:

Call 203-341-1041 or firstnight@westportct.gov

Deadline DEC.18^th

   Parent Volunteers Mandatory for Band Participants