After 16 years of serving chowder and clamcakes to people on New Year’s Eve, Peter Ellbey still loves his job at First Night Providence. ”You work your butt off, but it’s worth it,” said Ellbey, who will be 72 years old this month. “I just think it’s great all the people getting together.” Evolving Funding Landscape for Not-for-Profits Not-for-profit organizations are being asked to do more with less,… Ellbey said the business he does at the event from his aptly named Chowder Hut is better than he does at any other single event during the year. Bob Webster, owner of Johnston-based Amron Family Fun Fare, organizes the food vendors for First Night Providence. He said this year’s celebration is going to be a welcome departure for families seeking to enjoy exotic arts and ring in the New Year without alcohol. ”I think this First Night is going to surprise everybody,” he said. “Everybody has been thinking negatively, but this is going to be a positive thing. People need enlightenment after the bad news they have been hearing for so long. There’s no traffic, no booze and families are getting together and talking to one another.” Doris Stephens, executive director of First Night Providence, said the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 were a primary consideration in how this event should proceed. In October, the organization said its initial thought was that celebratory fireworks would be inappropriate, but so many people were in favor of the tradition the group changed its tune. One of those in strong favor of the tradition was Peter Koch, CEO of Koch Eye Associates and Koch Laser Vision Centers, and the sponsor of the fireworks display. He also said that his businesses were “pleased to sponsor the First Night fireworks as the patriotic and right thing to do.” Stephens remarked that “we’re celebrating but not forgetting,” and spoke of the “Bells for Hope” closing ceremonies on the lawn of the State House, which will feature a community bell-ring led by Chris Turner of the Banished Fools. The bell-ring will feature the ringing of the replica of the Liberty Bell located in the State House, which was last sounded during First Night’s statewide welcome to the new Millenium two years ago. Also included will be a patriotic choral tribute by the Cumberland-Lincoln Community. Stephens, who has been First Night director for over 10 years, said there was a $560,000 budget for this year’s event, and most of that comes from the sponsors. ”Like every arts organization our button price could never begin to cover our budget,” she said. The sponsors are really what allows First Night to happen.” Stephens said there is a lot for people to see this year. ”This year our community rituals are more important than ever. First Night’s been a tradition of alcohol-free celebration for 16 years, and this year’s programs especially reflect the richness of our diverse cultures,” she said. “La Fiesta! will be a Hispanic music festival with hot dance bands and lively folk groups, and ‘Watch Night’ is going to be a rafter-raising gospel celebration.” First Night Providence activities will begin downtown at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31 and run through the fireworks display. Other highlights of the evening include: LUMA: Theatre of Light – The compelling combination of light, color, movement, music and a seasoning of magic create a mystical experience for all ages. The Second Hand – Part Blue Man Group, part Momix, with a “mind-boggling mix of seamless grace and spot-on comedic timing.” This “unclassifiable” group has been seen on David Letterman. Magic Mirrors Video Art Installation and “Bosch’s Harp” – Revelers view projections of their own images transformed in extraordinary ways in Magic Mirrors, a digital video “fun house” created by multi-media artist Todd Winkler. Rock Bands – Over 20 of Providence’s local favorites are playing around town including the Becky Chase Band, V. Majestic, Barn Burning and more. For more details visit www.firstnightprovidence.org
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Variety of entertainment, food being prepared for First Night
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