NIGHT LIFE
Fun for all
Have a rockin' family New Year's Eve at First Night
By Chris Nixon
December 30, 2004
Tired of taking care of out-of-control friends on New Year's Eve? Looking for a festive atmosphere to bring your kids, but hoping you won't be embarrassed by humanity and its penchant for excess during the annual holiday?
Two local New Year's Eve events implement concepts not normally associated with the traditionally boozy holiday: alcohol free and family friendly.
Both First Night San Diego near Seaport Village in downtown San Diego and North County's First Night Escondido focus on providing safe, kid-oriented celebrations for fiesta partakers.
"We try to incorporate the involvement of as many groups, organizations and individuals as is possible," says First Night San Diego organizer Patti Brooks. "We're about positive collaboration (between different) interests, attitudes, ages, talents, artistic endeavors and backgrounds."
Now in its 13th year, First Night San Diego will fill the Embarcadero Marina Park North, located near Seaport Village, with seven hours of music, karaoke, contests, food and fireworks. The party begins with a kickoff parade including the Eden Prairie Marching Band from Eden Prairie, Minn.
First Night S.D. features six stages of country, rock 'n' roll, Latin, oldies, big band, contemporary and jazz. At midnight, fireworks will light up the skies over San Diego Bay.
"Alcohol-free means safe," says Brook. "Family friendly means we encourage participation of people of all ages. We are about diversity. At the same time, we like to encourage families celebrating as a unit."
Escondido's massive First Night party celebrates 10 years this year, featuring more than 30 performers on 12 stages in the area surrounding the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
First Night Escondido offers a wide variety of musical types and entertainment options: from mimes to Motown, from classical to country. The Escondido party also puts an emphasis on satisfying the needs, and early bedtimes, of kids by lighting fireworks at 8 p.m. along with the traditional midnight fireworks show. First Night Escondido has reasons for teens to stick around, too, with a battle of the bands giving the spotlight to young and up-and-coming local acts.
