News - First Night Saratoga

The family-oriented, alcohol-free celebration of the arts will enter its 13th annual year with opening ceremonies taking place outside the Saratoga Springs City Center at 5:30 p.m. The opening event will feature an exhibition by the Cosmic Karma fire dancers and spinners, performing to the beat of The African Experience drummers. First Night’s signature sponsor, General Electric, will also be outside the City Center all evening long to offer revelers the opportunity to add their dreams and resolutions to GE’s “Imagination Board,” get free photos taken, enjoy a cup of free hot chocolate and receive a free GE glowstick.

Also taking place at 5:30 p.m. will be the annual 5K run on the Skidmore College Campus. The event will feature 1,000 runners from 20 states. A special leg of this year’s race will also be run by more than 50 servicemen and women currently stationed in Afghanistan.

The idea for the special “leg” comes from Clifton Park resident Matthew Armstrong who is currently stationed in the country with the United States Army. Coordinators are currently exploring the possibility of having a satellite simulcast to broadcast the special “leg” on a split-screen downtown.

The festivities officially begin at 6 p.m. and will feature 400 artists and 80 performances at 35 separate locations throughout downtown, Beekman Street and the Saratoga Spa State Park. A vast array of musicians, comedians, dancers and entertainers will make up the various performances at venues throughout the Spa City.

While most of the performances are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., some of the children’s activities will start at 5 p.m. at the Lake Avenue School as part of GE’s “Kidsworld.” The location will host a fun-filled evening with magicians, ventriloquists, jugglers and various other kid-friendly entertainment.

For the first time, the Saratoga Spa State Park will also be serving as a venue at this year’s First Night celebration. An array of entertainment will be on display at three separate State Park locations, which include the Spa Little Theatre, the Administration Building and The Saratoga Automobile Museum. Another special attraction at the park will include a hot air balloon illuminated against the night’s sky from 7-9 p.m.

“We are really excited to be spreading out all over town this year,” First Night Coordinator Maureen Duda said.

As the night winds down, the Cosmic Karma fire dancers once again backed by The African Experience drummers will introduce the special symbol of the “Fire and Ice” theme – a 24’ tall figure and an 8’ wood sculpture that will be set ablaze to represent the culmination of the 2008 year. The celebration will conclude at midnight with the annual fireworks show at its new location around Congress Park.

“It’s going to be spectacular,” Duda said.

Admission to First Night can be obtained through the purchase of the official First Night Button for the cost of $15 (children 5 and under are free) at various area locations, including Price Choppers, Stewart’s Shops, Adirondack Trust banks, and Boscov stores. They can also be purchased online. Early purchase is advised to avoid the possible sell-out.

“In these tough economic times, this is an inexpensive way for families to spend the New Year’s and enjoy so many wonderful events,” Duda said.

For more information or to learn how to volunteer, visit: www.ymcasaratoga.org.