First Night greets 2009

JACQUELINE PALOCHKO Times Leader Correspondent

SCRANTON – Despite the frigid weather, an enthusiastic crowd rang in the New Year early Thursday at the 10th annual First Night in downtown .

First Night Scranton 2009, sponsored by Scranton Tomorrow, featured music acts, rides for children, warming stations, free hot chocolate and a fireworks show.

Events were held at over a dozen locations throughout the downtown area. Most First Night celebrators remained at the indoor events because of the low temperatures outside.

The cold weather did not stop Liz Ayers of Pittston from attending the event with her two sons. Ayers said her family attended First Night last year and enjoyed the celebration so much that her children wanted to return.

"I just bundled them up even more this year," Ayers said. "It’s ideal for families and gets us out of the house."

The alcohol-free event catered to families, entertaining children with events such as a magician act, Guitar Hero contest and face-painting.

Jossie Lowe and Michelle Sunscri were two of 20 volunteers from the Hemisphere Church in Scranton helping direct revelers into theaters and to the warming station at the Lackawanna County Courthouse for free hot chocolate and coffee. For Lowe and Sunscri, both of Scranton, it was their first time attending the downtown Scranton celebration.

"It’s awesome meeting everyone down here," Sunscri said. "I’m sad I never came down before."

According to Mayor Chris Doherty, all of First Night’s events were funded through the help of sponsors.

"We raise all the money ourselves," he said. "The community steps up and does a great job."

For $10, patrons received an admission button that allowed them access to all the events of the evening.

"Even though times are tough, First Night is a good affordable way to get the family together and still be able to do something without spending hundreds of dollars," Jennifer Battista, director of communications and special projects of Scranton Tomorrow, said.

According to Battista, in previous years, the committee sold between 3,000 and 5,000 tickets to First Night. She estimated 3,000 tickets were sold for the 2009 celebration.

For some, the 10th anniversary of First Night served as a reflection of previous events in downtown Scranton. Battista said past performers and co-chairs were invited back to be a part of this year’s festivities.

"We really tried to make it a reflection on the past 10 years," she said.

Aimee Wechsler attended the initial First Night 10 years ago with her parents. She said she remembered seeing the band The Poets perform at the Steamtown Mall and watching the fireworks with her family at midnight. This year, she came back with friends to ring in 2009.

Wechsler, bundled in layers of clothing to remain warm, said that although Wednesday night had the smallest First Night crowd she has ever seen, everyone seemed to be having a good time.

"It seems successful tonight," she said. "A bit empty from past years because of the cold but there are still plenty of First Night fans. It’s Scrantastic here tonight."

Other who attended, such as Shawn McDonough of Scranton, were at the downtown festivities for the first time. McDonough and friends decided to ring in the new year at First Night to see local band The Sw!ms perform at the AFA Gallery on Lackawanna Avenue.

McDonough said even with the cold, it was a good time.

"If it’s a bit warmer next year, I’ll definitely be back," she said.

Next year, the city will take over First Night so Scranton Tomorrow can focus on other long-term developmental projects in the city, according to Battista.

Doherty stressed First Night will continue next year.

"We never stop – we only get better," he said. "We’ll continue to do it, and it will be better next year."