Cities' First Night revelries celebrate optimism for '99

Now that the sudden cold and the wind have freshly reminded us that winter is here, the stage is perfectly set for another rousing First Night celebration -- in New Bedford, Fall River and a growing list of cities across the country.

This is the 13th First Night for New Bedford, and each year a new twist is added, a new refinement to keep the event fresh and exhilarating.

This year, the committee has gone to great lengths to involve young people, with schoolchildren supplying paintings and drawings on linen tablecloths that will be exhibited throughout the downtown area during the festivities. It's a terrific way to include the city's children in all of the things that are happening in their home town, while underlining the fact that this event is designed from the ground up to be fun not only for singles and couples but for whole families. Children under three feet tall will be admitted to all venues for free; First Night buttons for everyone else, sold at many supermarkets and retail businesses, have been $5 until today, when the price rises to $8 for latecomers.

This year New Bedford will boast 20 venues where performers of all descriptions will offer everyone something to suit their tastes. City Hall will be open this time, too (along with its precious rest rooms), and several downtown restaurants will be open so anyone who wants to make a full night of it, with everything from snacks to dinner, won't have to brown-bag it.

In Fall River, where 13 downtown venues will be open, there is no admission charge and the roster is much like that of New Bedford (regionalism has brought these cities together in many ways, but not in others, it seems). The showpiece is expected to be the "indoor fireworks" laser-light finale at the Bank Street Armory. And no doubt it is entirely coincidental that Jedlie's Interactive Circus will be staged throughout the evening in the City Council's hearing room.

Either city's First Night promises to be a full evening of good cheer and clean fun, in keeping with the idea that New Year's Eve can be something better than a drunken revelry. The fact that these events are immensely popular is testament to the concept and steady encouragement for the dozens of people who labor mightily to make it all happen.

Readers who need more information on New Bedford's First Night can call the Waterfront Visitors Center at 1-800-508-5353. For Fall River, call the city's hotline at 324-CITY, or go on-line to the city's web site: www.fall-river.org.

Congratulations in advance go to the organizers and sponsors of these First Night events for fostering a sense of community celebration, and we wish all a safe and festive start for the New Year.