Plenty of fun on tap for 33rd annual ‘First Night Boston’

BOSTON – Fireworks, ice sculptures theater, dance and a grand procession are just a few of the highlights of the 33rd annual “First Night Boston.” Founded in 1976, First Night was the brainchild of a small group of artists who sought an alternative to traditional New Year’s Eve revelry. The family-orientated non-alcoholic celebration has grown from a small arts event on the Boston Common to a citywide cultural and artistic celebration, which attracts more than a million visitors.The celebration, which gets underway at 1 p.m. on Dec. 31 is a family event that features more than 1,000 artists and performers in 200 exhibitions and performances at more than 35 locations throughout Downtown Boston.If you plan on attending, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and pick up the First Night guide. Take the time to plan which activities and performances you would like see because it is impossible to attend all the events and festivities because events take place simultaneously at multiple venues throughout the city.The FedEx Family Festival at the Hynes Convention Center, which gets underway at 1 p.m., includes dance, theater, face painting and interactive exhibits for the whole family. There will be puppet shows, musical performances. comedians, jugglers and more. Don’t miss the ImprovBoston Kids Comedy, The Downside Up Circus and peformances by the local rocker group Cul de Sac.The Grand Procession gets underway at the Hynes Convention Center at 5:30 p.m. and from there will will wind its way through Boston. Metro Boston Grand Procession has been the heart of the First Night celebration since the beginning in 1976.The theme for the 24th First Night procession is “Earth, Air, Fire, Water” and of course dragons! The four elements and some dragons will make a special appearance. The procession will be broken up into four sections, differentiated by colors and led by a different piece from the Back Alley PuppetTheatre and Puppeteers Cooperative, whose founders have participated in all 34 First Nights in Boston.Immediately following the First Night Grand Procession, a 12-minute firework display will light up Boston Common.There are ice sculptures at various locations around the city. Donald Chapelle of Brilliant Ice Sculpture is back again this year with his “Michelangelo Sculpting David” ice sculpture, which is on Boston Commons.In addition to these and other great events, First Night will also feature Japanese Anime; KaijuBig Battel; Bollywood Film and Boston Family Fireworks, the traditional midnight fireworks over Boston Harbor with a midnight countdown from Copley Square.If You Go?All First Night outdoor events are free and the purchase of a $18 “First Night” button allows access to all indoor events. Buttons are available locally at Shaw’s and Star Markets. A complete activities guide is available online at www.firstnight.com and at all merchants selling First Night buttons.