About First Night

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First Night ® International

 
What is First Night®?

First Night® is a community New Year’s celebration held in more than 100 cities across the United States. The four principles that guide First Night® are community, celebration, the arts, and the new year. We believe that the arts represent the purest and best in humanity and that by sharing an evening of arts on December 31 we highlight our commonalities and strengthen our community. New Year’s Eve is a night filled with hope and promise, so it is fitting that we celebrate our community on December 31.

 

How Did First Night® Begin?

First Night® began in Boston and was first held in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial of the nation. A group of community minded citizens and artists in Boston wanted to find an alternative to the customary, and often anti-climatic, New Year’s Eve and they struck upon the idea of celebrating and building community by sharing through the arts.

 

Why Is First Night® Non-Alcoholic?

This is possibly one of the most misunderstood concepts of First Night®. First Night® is alcohol free because First Night® is an alternative to the customary New Year’s Eve, which often includes drinking. The alcohol free nature of First Night® has nothing to do with temperance - it is about a commitment to an alternative celebration.

 

What Does the ® Symbol Mean?

The name “First Night” is a registered trademark. First Night® Boston holds the trademark and allows First Night® celebrations in other cities to use it.

 

Who Is Responsible for First Night® Harrisonburg?

First Night® Harrisonburg is an independent 501(c)3 organization governed by a Board of Directors. The Executive Director of First Night® Harrisonburg serves at the pleasure of the Board.

 

How Long Has First Night® Harrisonburg Been Celebrated?

Harrisonburg’s premiere First Night® was 1992.

 

How Is First Night® Harrisonburg Funded?

First Night® Harrisonburg is funded entirely by donations, button sales, and grants. Every performer receives an honorarium for performing at First Night®, and the Executive Director and Performance Coordinator receive small stipends for their work. It costs about $65,000 to hold First Night®, so contributions are always needed. Contact the Executive Director to learn more about becoming a community partner.

 

Are There Other First Night® Celebrations in Virginia?

Virginia is actually one of the country’s strongest First Night® states. First Night® is held in Alexandria, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Leesburg, Warrenton, Williamsburg, and Winchester.