About First Night® Harrisonburg

Photo Gallery
Poster Gallery
Awards

What exactly is First Night®, anyway?

First Night® is a major performing arts festival created by and for the community to usher in the New Year. The family-oriented, alcohol-free celebration takes place in downtown Harrisonburg, utilizing church buildings, lobbies of area businesses, storefront and commercial spaces -- anywhere that participants can gather to enjoy lively performances of music, dance and drama.

The mission of First Night® is to encourage a safe and healthy alternative to usher in the New Year. It is also our goal to broaden and deepen the community's appreciation of the visual and performing arts, celebrate the diversity of our community, and to provide a shared cultural experience that is accessible and affordable for all.

Where did it begin?

In 1976 during the bicentennial year, a group of community-minded citizens in Boston created the idea of "First Night" to celebrate the coming New Year in an atmosphere of culture, community and family. The concept grew and spread to other cities, and was introduced to Harrisonburg in 1992. There are nearly 150 First Night® cities throughout the USA and Canada. For more information, you may visit First Night® International's website, firstnight.com.

Are there other First Nights® in Virginia?

Yes, there are 8 of them. Other Virginia First Night® cities are Alexandria, Augusta County, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Leesburg, Warrenton, Williamsburg and Winchester.

What does the ® sign after the words "First Night®" mean?

The name "First Night" is a registered trademark. All local First Nights belong to the Alliance of First Night® International and agree to adhere to certain guidelines and policies in their own festivals. The international alliance holds a yearly conference where representatives of First Nights from throughout the United States and Canada meet and trade ideas.

Who produces First Night®Harrisonburg?

An independent, IRS-registered, not-for-profit organization, run by community volunteers. Funding sources include donations from local businesses and organizations, grants, and button sales.

I have a collection of all the First Night® Harrisonburg buttons. Why isn't there a 1993 button?

At our first celebration, we didn't realize that the year of all First Night® festivals should refer to the coming year, not to the one which is passing. Harrisonburg's first First Night was held on December 31, 1992. Our button that year read "1992", but referred to the 1992-93 year. The following year, we began the custom followed by other First Nights, and our button read "1994" - so we skipped 1993.

The First Night® posters are works of art. Who designs them?

All First Night® posters have been designed by local artists: John Rose, Rin Siegrist, Sang Yoon, Donna Clark, Rich Hilliard, Kirsten Parmer, Jaye Brumfield, Donovan Douglas, Scott Trobaugh, Trudy Cole-Zielanski and Oleg Yagolnikov. Several of our posters and button designs have won prizes at the national level.

Who made the Harrisonburg First Night® puppets?

A group of interested local citizens made the First Night® puppets in 1996 in a series of workshops under the direction of The Puppeteers Cooperative, a group from Massachusetts. We later made several new puppets, created by Stan Patterson and put together by a group of adults and youth involved in First Night® activities. Recently we introduced a new red dragon, made by the Creative Kid's Co-op, and funded by a grant from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Foundation, as well as several hand-held face puppets, made by members of the Boys & Girls Club and students at Waterman Elementary School.

Has First Night® Harrisonburg received recognition for the things it has done?

Yes! In the fifteen years we have been in existence, we have:

• Sponsored the first presentation in the Court Square Theater
• Introduced the Quilt Museum and OASIS gallery to many members of the general public
• Promoted local musical, theater and dance groups to greater audiences and provided referrals for artists to the community at large
• Created a prototype of a pedestrian mall on Court Square
• Linked businesses, non-profits, school, government and community groups in enjoyment of the arts
• Envisioned the refurbishing of the Hardesty-Higgins House
• Won awards for creative programming and button/poster design from First Night® International

What happens if the weather's bad?

Well, how "bad" is "bad"? We've never cancelled yet! And even though there are First Nights in Florida and California, remember, it began in Boston. So cold weather shouldn't be a problem, right? In Harrisonburg's history of First Night weather, we've had three balmy nights, two very cold nights, two rainy nights, and several so-so nights. And sometimes there's been snow on the ground. So dress warmly (remember, all the entertainment is indoors) and bring boots or umbrellas if necessary - and enjoy the show!