First Night Set to Kick Off New Year

If you want to have a good time on New Year's Eve without the hassle of a New Year's Day hangover, then perhaps you'd be interested in Fredericksburg First Night. Founded in Boston in 1976, the First Night movement is a New Year's Eve celebration whose goal is to provide an alcohol-free, family friendly alternative to the standard bout of drunken annual revelry which the holiday normally inspires.

The event features more than 30 artists, musicians, performers and exhibits at 15 stages in the heart of historic downtown Fredericksburg. For the kids and young-at-heart there will be face painting clowns, puppet shows and an early New Year's Eve countdown for the tired ones. Music lovers will be able to take in a variety of acts ranging from an Elvis Presley impersonator to a pipe organ concert at St. Georges Episcopal Church.

A full slate of entertainers for the evening can be found here. Download the complete schedule here.

It all builds to the midnight countdown to the new year, taking place down at Riverfront Park on Sophia Street. Ushering in 2012 will be a fireworks display which promises to light up the downtown riverfront.

Buttons function as your pass to all the stages. They cost $7, $10 on the night of the event. Children 3-years-old and younger are admitted free. The event begins at 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve and runs through 12:15 a.m. New Year's Day.

Early birds can buy buttons at Pohanka Nissan/Hyundai Dealership, Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation, the Fredericksburg Visitors Center, the Spotsylvania Visitors Center, and the Old Virginia Gourmet in Garrisonville.

On the night of the event, buttons can be bought at the 700, 800 and 900 blocks of Caroline Street as well as at the sales and information booths and the lost and found trailers.

Buttons are free for active duty and retired military veterans.

Organizers caution against bringing pets to the event, saying the loud noises and crowds could make furry ones anxious.

Be prepared to party hardy, as well. The event happens rain or shine. The only thing which the weather could affect would be fireworks display.

Parking is available at any of the municipal lots downtown. Trolley and Fred Bus services are free to those bearing First Night buttons.