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First Night is a tradition first begun in Boston Massachusetts in 1977. The idea was to find a way for a community to come together and celebrate the symbolic and literal passing of another trip around the sun in an atmosphere that would foster a shared sense of experience, yet minus the liquid revelry and attendant behavior with which New Years Eve had increasingly become identified. Art and ritual, as usual, are wise guides in these matters and throughout the US, more and more places have found a way for all the families of a community to come together in a sense of pride and optimism, expressed through performance. As a city with roots in historic, small-town tradition, yet posed to forge ahead as a global technology leader, Pittsfield, MA is an ideal place to mark the passage of the year.

Pittsfield's First Nite is an alcohol-free New Year's Eve family celebration featuring "A Taste of First Nite," (with many area restaurants participating, offering a dazzling array of food), musical entertainment, children's activities, karaoke and psychic readings. First Nite Director Sharon LaPlante is doing a little psychic reading of her own, predicting that with the help of the City Council, Mayor Doyle and the involvement of a strong volunteer commitment, First Nite will enjoy continued success and show Pittsfield in the best light. The downtown is lit up with families and friends sharing culture in an enjoyable and accessible way, demonstrating what is the area's most vital and important asset; people.

This is the eighth year Pittsfield has done First Nite. Sharon says there are plans to build on the successes of previous years, which have included an amazing variety of entertainments, from jugglers and clowns to puppet shows and face painting. There have also been musical styles ranging from folk to jazz to blues to Big Band to Fifties, all great toe-tapping music, perfect for rocking in the New Year. The best part is that all the entertainment is free, once you obtain a First Nite button. Once again, there will be a contest for area schoolchildren to design the button, Much of the fun will be concentrated in a central area of North Street and, as in years past, the BRTA will be participating. For more details, contact Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.

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