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SPREE INSIDER
Say goodbye to 2009 at First Night
By Ann Marie Trietley
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First Night Buffalo photos by John Rusac; logo courtesy of First Night Buffalo.
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As the saying goes, ’tis the season to overindulge in champagne toasts and consumerism. But if the usual reverie gets a little hard to endure, First Night Buffalo offers a sober and safe alternative.
Buffalo’s first and largest drug-and-alcohol-free New Year’s Eve party, First Night Buffalo has become a local tradition, and this is Spree’s first time as a sponsor. It began in 1976 with a group of artistic, civic-minded Bostonians who needed an alternative to the drug-addled disco scene. Since then, the drug-and-alcohol-free concept has moved across the country and around the world, with celebrations from California to New Zealand.
In 1989, WNY United and Rich Products orchestrated the first annual First Night Buffalo. Unfortunately, a lack of sufficient funds and volunteers forced the event to a halt after the first three years. But in 1992, Independent Health took hold of the reins and has produced First Night ever since, while fundraising efforts, corporate sponsorship, and generous volunteers make the party possible.
First Night Buffalo draws a crowd of 5,000 or more from all over WNY. Despite the frigid chill and snowfall outside, revelers can attend a variety of events at multiple sites, from music and dance to comedy and theatre, as well as children’s activities like puppet shows and obstacle challenges. Tickets to the event are only $8 in advance ($10 at the door)—far less than a night of downtown debauchery. Plus, children two and younger are given free admission.
It’s a true party for any age, and a killer way to ring in the new year and salute the old one, without a hangover. For details, visit www.firstnightbuffalo.org.
Ann Marie Trietley is a Fredonia State College graduate and a current Spree editorial intern.
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