The seventh annual First Night State College will take place throughout the borough and the Penn State campus from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1.
First Night is an alcohol-free, community-oriented celebration of the visual and performing arts.
Doris Mack said the event will be, "an alternative to traditional New Year's Eve revelry." Mack is the director of performing arts for Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, a First Night sponsor.
First Night will begin in State College's Central Parklet at 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 with an ice sculpture display. Two female reindeer will be available for pictures at Central Parklet at 3 p.m.
Other Dec. 30 events include fire sculptures at 6 p.m. at Central Parklet and a low-level fireworks display at 9 p.m. at Memorial Field.
First Night will feature indoor performing arts programs at many borough locations on Dec. 31. Performances include an orchestra, jugband, jazz quartet, harpist, blues band and magician.
"There are lots of activities to do with friends and family," Mack said.
The 2001 First Night State College Button provides admission to all in-door performances, as well as ice skating at the Penn State Ice Pavilion and folk dancing. The button can be purchased for $6 at many area locations including the Student Bookstore and the Nittany Mall. Special button four packs can be purchased for $20 until Dec. 29 at PNC Bank.
For the fitness enthusiast, First Night will sponsor the fourth annual 5K Resolution Run at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. The cost is $12 for participants older than 19, and $8 for participants 19 and under if paid before Dec. 24. Awards will be given for top runners in different age categories, as well as to the runner with the most original costume.
To celebrate the beginning of 2001, First Night will present a European-style low-level fireworks display at midnight on New Year's Eve.
On Jan. 1, First Night will present a variety of ice sculpture exhibits throughout State College.
For more information on First Night 2000 or the 5K Resolution Run, call the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts at 237-3682 or visit the First Night State College web site, www.first-night.state-college.pa.us.
