Fun ways to ring in the New Year

By Lori O'Brien, Correspondent

Parents in search of fun ways to ring in the new year with their children will find several venues across the region that guarantee to entertain young people of all ages.

In Holyoke, the 10th annual First Night Jr. festivities gets underway at 10 a.m. at Holyoke Heritage State Park. Magician Ed Popielarczyk and singer Roger Ticknell are featured performers throughout the day, in addition to a host of games appropriate for children of all ages. Clowns will also be on hand to add fun to the festivities and refreshments will be available. In addition, several cartoon-type characters will be mingling amongst the masses until 3 p.m. when the event ends. A group sing led by the Holyoke High Marching Band will close out the day's highlights.

Unlimited rides on the Merry-Go-Round, admission to the Children's Museum and the Volleyball Hall of Fame will also be featured attractions during the day due to their close proximity to the park.

For ticket information, call the park office at (413) 534-1723, or the Children's Museum at (413) 536-7048.

In Northampton, First Night performances for family audiences starts at lunchtime in the downtown area. The Enchanted Circle Theater of Holyoke gets things underway at 12 with its all-new "Caribbean Street Carnival," followed by an expanded kick-off parade. Marchers will be parading to a tropical beat down Main, Masonic and Center streets, and back to Pulaski Park.

Performers during the afternoon will range from Hoopoe the Clown, Ed the Balloon Man and singer John Porcino to a First Night Youth Talent Show. In addition, horse-drawn wagon rides will be offered from noon to 3 p.m. up and down Main Street.

Free parking will be available in all municipal (gray) areas as well as Smith College parking lots.

Northampton's early fireworks display begins at 6:15 p.m. off the roof of the city's parking garage to ensure all families can participate in a traditional new year's fireworks celebration. The raising of the ball from the roof of the Hotel Northampton will take place officially at midnight.

A single button opens the doors to every event at every venue. Buttons for adults are $20, $10 for seniors and $8 for children ages two to 10. Buttons can be purchased on Dec. 31 at the Academy of Music, Northampton Center for the Arts, TD Banknorth, and Theatre 14 at Smith College. Buttons can also be ordered in advance by e-mailing ncfa@nohoarts.org and following the specific instructions.

Northampton's venue locations include the Center for the Arts, Academy of Music, Memorial Hall, Unitarian Society, Edwards Church, First Churches Sanctuary, First Churches Lyman Hall, A.P.E. Gallery at Thorne's, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Friends Meeting House, Union Station, St. John Cantius Hall, The Elevens, Theatre 14, St. Mary's Parish Hall, St. John's Episcopal Church and Beaders' Paradise.

For a complete listing of all performances, visit www.gazettenet.com/firstnight.

For families who haven't yet taken in the brilliance of Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day will be the last chances for the season to do so. Highlights of this year's holiday lighting display include the American Flag, Garden of Peace, Seuss Land, Letters to Santa, Jurassic World, Spirit of the Season, Victorian Village, the Barney Mansion, Winter Woods, North Pole Village and Toy Land. In addition, a "Happy Holidays, Springfield" display is the newest in a tribute to Springfield's landmark Municipal Group, and a giant poinsettia candle is the final parting display that depicts the solemn reflection of the past year and all the hope in our lives for the future, according to Spirit of Springfield organizers who oversee the operation.

Bright Nights' holiday hours are 6 to 11 p.m. The cost for cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles and motor homes is $15. For more information on Bright Nights, visit www.brightsnights.org.