New Year's Activities in Akron, Ohio

Eleven years ago, Akron's First Night celebration began as an alcohol-free alternative party. Now, it's grown into an enormous bash that engulfs the entire town on the final night of the year.

The town counts down to midnight on a large digital clock at Canal Park, the home of the Akron Aeros baseball team. The clock has been there since the millennium countdown to the year 2000.

The centerpiece of the First Night party is the entertainment all over downtown. Some of the highlights include:

- Akron Symphony at the Civic Theatre (6:30);
- Datz DNation: Phunk hip-hop dancers at the John S. Knight Center Main Floor #1 (8:30 and 9:30);
- Anne E. DeChant folk music at the National Inventors Hall of Fame (9, 10 and 11);
- Freedom Brass Band of NE Ohio at the Civic (9:30, 10:30);
- Hard Day's Night, a Beatles tribute band at the Knight Center Exhibit Hall #2 (9, 10, 11);
- Praise-Apella band at the High Street Christian Church (8 and 9);
- The Rhondas alt-country band on the Main Street level of the library (9:15, 10:30);
- The Singing Angels at St. Bernard's Church (8 and 9); and
- The University of Akron Steel Drum Band at the Polsky Building's Main Street Level (9:30, 10:30).

The organizers of First Night are trying to include children in the fun by creating a First Night Kids Club. Kids can join the club at the Kinderzone area of Lock 3 Park on New Year's Eve between 2 and 3 p.m.

There, they can make a shaker to be a part of the First Night kick-Off show, which will start at 4:45. The theme of the show is that Jack (like a jack in the box) has accidentally allowed the magic of First Night to escape, and he enlists the help of Shaggy and Scooby Doo to help retrieve it. Kids can meet Jack before the show at 4:30.

Teen-agers can also get in on the fun at the third annual First Night Idol singing contest.

The contest will take place at the John S. Knight Center from 5:30-7 on New Year's Eve. Auditions will take place at local high schools throughout the fall. The winner will help the crowd count down to midnight at the main stage.

One way to enjoy the activities of First Night for free is to serve as a volunteer. Just go to the website and fill out an application, and they will find something for you to do. You can also sign up by calling (330) 762-8555 or by sending an e-mail to firstnight@downtownakron.com.

You can buy a First Night Akron button in advance at Acme Fresh Market, First Merit Bank, Borders Books and Music, the Akron Beacon Journal, the Lock 3 Park's ice skating concession stand, The Word Christian Resource Centers, and the Barnes & Noble location at The University of Akron.

You can also pick one up on New Year's Eve at the Stage Left boutique at the Civic Theatre; and at the Library Shop on Main Street.

As long as the weather isn't freezing, First Night is a great way to ring in the new year with family and friends. Of course, it's also fun to have a nice warm party at home. Just make sure you try the First Night experience at least once.