From the looks of the Downtown Mall on Friday, it would have been hard to guess that First Night Virginia organizers were worried, a year ago, about the future of the event.
But in its 29th year, the non-alcoholic event was going forward Friday as planned, with events scheduled from 3 p.m. to midnight downtown.
“Family events like this are always great,” said Paula Palmer, who traveled to the event from Harrisonburg with her 5-year-old daughter.
“She’s having a great time,” Palmer said of her daughter, whose eyes bounced around the Omni Charlottesville Hotel ballroom looking for the next adventure, not long after soaring down a giant inflatable slide.
“It felt fast,” the small girl said.
Palmer said she took her daughter to the event because it offers an opportunity for folks to have fun with their children, despite many people associating New Year’s celebrations with adults partying late.
The celebration in the Omni had everything from arts and crafts and balloon animals to an inflatable playground and an entertainment show with juggling and stick balancing.
The celebration was spread throughout the heart of the city, with churches and theaters among the hosts.
Stationed at the Omni, Choetsow Tenzin, 10, said it was a great way to spend the holiday.
“I like having fun,” she said, sporting what she called a balloon “fireworks” hat. “It’s a new year, and there’s lots of kids. And everyone’s filled with joy and stuff.”
Meanwhile, the Albemarle Sheriff’s Office offered children a chance to have their fingerprints taken and handed out pamphlets with advice for parents on how to keep youngsters safe online.
First Night Virginia also featured storytelling, a puppet show, a short film showcase, live music and food, among other offerings. A ball drop was scheduled for midnight.
First Night began in Boston in 1976, to bring neighboring communities together for a celebration, according to organizers. Charlottesville’s First Night Virginia was the second in the nation to begin the tradition, and the event has attracted hundreds of thousands of people in its 29 years.
Organizers had worried a year ago that the economic recession might take a toll on the event and prevent it from happening this go ’round.
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