FLORIDAS LARGEST FAMILY
FRIENDLY NEW YEAR’S EVE
CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS
CELEBRATES 27 YEARS.
Fireworks, circus arts from the
Movement Sanctuary, and a
musical "petting zoo" for children
sponsored by the Second
Time Arounders Marching Band. An
African American urban ballet performed,
by the local group Dundu
Dole. It’s all part of St. Pete’s unique,
non-alcoholic community wide celebration
of New Year’s Eve with eight-hours
of family friendly entertainment on the
downtown waterfront.
Now in its 27th year, First Night has
grown in reputation each year as thousands
throng downtown streets to participate
in this event that showcases
street performers, puppet theater,
a lighted labyrinth.
“First Night was an
idea launched in Boston
in the 1970s and it really
caught on around the
country. But only seven
remain nationwide,
and St. Pete hosts one
of the most successful
events,” says Jamie
McWade, Executive
Director of First Night St.
Petersburg.
McWade counts on
more than 200 volunteers
to make the eve-
the public. She also gives
recognition to the city’s
events team who are
hard at work early in the
morning on December
31 to set everything
up to be ready for the crowds
that begin arriving as early as
late afternoon. First Night is
co-sponsored by the City of St.
Petersburg.
Underwriting support comes
from the event’s many long-time
committed corporate sponsors,
says McWade. Additional funding
comes from the sale of a
custom-designed lighted “art
button” that allow participants
entry to 16 venues with over 32
performers and entertainers.
Each year a different artist designs
the button, which over the years have
become collector’s items. St. Pete resident
Carlos Culbertson, better known
as Zulu Painter, created this year’s
winning design, which features his two
children celebrating New Year’s Eve.
Planning for the event is a yearround
effort, says McWade, but everything
kicks into high
gear around April, with
the First Night board of
directors and program
committee reviewing
applications from the
many artists, musicians
and organizations who
want to provide the
eclectic entertainment
and interactive experiences
for which the
event is known.
With the theme of “Art
in Unexpected Places,”
the event brings out the
best of the city’s unique
creative talent. In what
other city in the U.S.
would it be possible to
selection of entertainment
all in one night.
FESTIVALS & COOL EVENTS
Musical Petting Zoo
with the Second Time
Arounders
Above: 2020 First
Night button desgin.
NIGHT
IF YOU GO
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 31,
New Year's Eve
WHERE: Downtown St.
Pete, various locations
MORE INFO: www.
info
FIRST
26 'BURGLIFE | Living, Working and Playing in St. Petersburg, FL