Conference turris::womannotes-v2

    
    	I think it was 1985 that I was feeling fairly miserable and
    	lonely and bummed out that I didn't have anything to do for
    	New Year's.  I saw an ad in the Globe that volunteers were needed
    	for First Night.  I went to one meeting and was put in charge
    	of Flower banners for the First night parade (around 6 pm, I
    	think).	
    
    	My job was to get 15 or so volunteers to carry the banners
    	in the parade and then get the banners back to the church 
    	where is was stored.  You got volunteers from people who
    	were going to watch the parade.  Just people off the street.
    
    	I thought, Flower banners, eh.  I really wanted one of the huge
    	puppets but this wasn't bad.
    
    	I had a blast.  It was really fun being in the parade.  First
    night was very interesting.  
    
    	I highly recommend volunteering or just going down to First Night
    

    I've worked Tech. out at First Night in Worcester.  Good healthy
    work, helping with the festivities (mostly sound/lighting equipment).
    
    I'm not sure who you'd contact, since I just joined a friend who
    was already set up to do it.  But it was fun, and the people attending
    the events REALLY enjoyed them - it felt pretty good.
    
    -Jody
    

    I've never heard of this, what is "first night"? liesl

    First Night is when street performers and musical groups and story
    tellers and dancers and other cool people perform for the whole
    city - on the street - in various churches and community buildings.
     There are sidewalk food vendors and much rejoicing.  Often you
    can get into any performance with the one-time purchase of a "first
    night" button -which you wear prominently.  At midnight, of course,
    there is fireworks, or lasershows, or both!  
    
    First Night occurs (that I know of) in Boston, Worcester, Hartford
    and Providence (I'm sure it goes on other places, too....)
    
    It's a major city gathering - with over 2 million people gathering
    in Boston, and over 15,000 in Worcester last year!  Everything is
    more or less within walking distance, and public transportation can 
    be used (many streets are closed to regular auto traffic).  Souvenirs
    are sold and everybody has a generally great time!
    
    -Jody
    

    One very important thing to add about First Night. Its DRY!!!
    No alcohol is supposed to flow; no one is selling it. The concept is
    supposed to be an alcohol-free good time.
    
    Admittedly, you can stuff it in your car, but its not necessary for
    enjoying the atmosphere unless you're totally lost without it... in
    which case, I can only have pity.

    Is this a commercial activity or do proceeds go to some charity?  Who
    funds it?
    
    				Steve

    The city funds it.  And since the buttons are only five dollars a piece
    and get you into EVERYTHING, there really isn't any profit that I can
    think of.  It takes a lot to throw a party for the city, and I'm pretty
    sure First Night takes a bite out of the city's funds.
    
    -Jody
    

    I know Fallon HMO sponsors first night, so I'm, sure corporate sponsors
    help with the expense that the buttons don't cover...

    First Night Celebrations (Boston, Worcester, Portland, ME, Providence,
    RI, New Bedford, MA, and other locations) are funded by:
    
    	Local arts councils (funded by local govt and foundations)
    	Foundations
    	Corporations
    	Individual Contributions
    	In-kind services (services in exchange for free advertising, for
    	example)
    
    All of the artists *are* paid; not extravagent amounts, but at least
    their talents are recognized and the public has a chance to see and
    hear some extraordinary talents.
    
    Where else can you see over 30 events for the cost of a button ($5.00
    in Worcester)?
    
    Worcester's schedule just came out; call the Park & Rec department for
    info on where to find it.
    
    
    Judi