First Night Burlington Vermont USA

See Circus Smirkus, Rusty DeWees, Taiko Parade, & Atlantic Crossing

Dec 24, 2007 Donna Diegel

25th Annual substance-free New Year's Eve festival, Dec. 31st. Over 1000 artists, great food, free shuttles and fireworks around Church Street Marketplace & city.

Substance-Free Family Fun

While millions of party goers will be drinking the new year in and living it up, millions more all over the country will be taking part in a different kind of New Years Eve celebration. First Night Burlington Vermont will be hosting a massive alcohol-free festival designed to bring back good old-fashioned fun. Not just for families, there are plenty of activities and performances for teens and adults as well.

Burlington's First Night is part of a larger network of more than 200 First Night celebrations all happening at the same time, on the same day, all around the world ~ December 31st! Started back in 1976 in Boston as an alternative to drunken parties that didn't cater to families with children, this festival also cut way back on DUI's and fatal accidents. According to wbztv.com on Jan 1, 2007, "City officials estimated that 1.1 million people participated in First Night 2007 activities in Boston". Burlington was the 4th city to adopt a family-friendly substance-free party.

Why sit at home and watch the ball drop again? Try something new this year and take the family to Fist Night! And when the fireworks are over, you can still sing "Auld Lang Syne". Not only that, but you can get up the next morning without a hangover.

First Night Details:

When: December 31,2007. 12:00pm ~ 12:00am.

Where: In 25 sites on Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, Vermont and all over the city. Free shuttles will take you here and there.

Directions: Route 89 Vermont, Exit 14 west toward Burlington. Watch for signs.

Free Transportation: There are free shuttle buses that will run from 11:15am. to 12:30am. Schedule and info for free shuttles & parking.

Get your buttons: Adults: $12.00-$20.00, Kids: $6.00. First Night Buttons are good for most shows, activities and events. There are a few performances at the Flynn Theater and the Memorial Auditorium that are $2.00 extra. Tickets and buttons can be purchased online or at 230 College Street. Buttons are also available at many area banks, supermarkets and businesses. For more info, call the First Night office at 800-639-9252.

Highlights: Rusty DeWees, Circus Smirkus, The Wood's Tea Co., Womensing, Bluegrass Gospel Project, Tammy Fletcher, parade, face painting, theater and dance, teen talent competition, fireworks and much more.

Vermont Food: Food tents, church suppers, plus many area restaurants will be available to feed the masses and warm the tummies.

Accommodations: Rooms in the area starting at $89.99.

• Anchorage Inn, South Burlington, 1-800-336-1869
• Holiday Inn Express, South Burlington, 1-866-762-7870
• Double Tree Hotel, South Burlington, 1-888-222-8733
• Comfort Inns and Suites, South Burlington, 1-800-424-6423

A full brochure of all Information and Activities can be found here.

Be prepared: Dress warmly and in layers. Every year is different. Vermont can be very cold. There have been warm nights as well as First Night's below zero with bitterly cold wind-chills and freezing rain. Wool socks and hats, earmuffs, gloves, scarfs and face masks are good items to have in your backpack.

Prices (US dollars), policies and information are subject to change. Call hotels for reservations and rates.

Sources: firstnightburlington.com, wbztv.com, mapquest.com

The copyright of the article First Night Burlington Vermont USA in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Donna Diegel. Permission to republish First Night Burlington Vermont USA in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Fireworks