Volunteers Putting Final Touches On First Night Chatham

CHATHAM – For the volunteers who organize Chatham’s family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration each year, 12 months’ worth of planning and coordinating is about to come to fruition. And they’re inviting you to First Night Chatham to “Join The Fun.”

 That’s the theme of this year’s alcohol-free, arts-centric New Year’s Eve party, which features a full slate of events throughout the afternoon and evening of Dec. 31.

 “The big issue is the weather, and the early forecasts are OK,” volunteer Peter Gruol said late last week. First Night is a party for the hardy, weather-wise. In past years the celebration has gone on despite wind, rain, snow and bitter cold. Only if the weather is truly dangerous do organizers consider canceling. The best advice from First Night veterans is to dress in layers, which is handy when going between indoor venues and outdoor activities.

 First Night buttons, which are needed for most indoor events, are still available to purchase at various area merchants. Starting on Dec. 26 at 10 a.m., they will also be available at First Night Headquarters at 584 Main St., which will be open each day through Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on New Year’s Eve as well. Buttons can also be purchased online, though online button sales are now only for in-person pickup, not for shipping. The deadline for online orders is 10 p.m. on Dec. 29. Buttons are $30 for adults 17 and older and $5 for kids between 3 and 16 years. Younger children don’t need a button.

 First Night Chatham has musical offerings for every taste, with concerts, jams and recitals at nearly 20 indoor venues from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. From bluegrass and jug band music to jazz and classical piano, First Night attracts a mix of sought-after regional talent and up-and-coming acts. Looking for something unusual? Check out the New England Digital Orchestra, with 18 musicians from four New England states performing on synthesizers that resemble accordions, replicating almost every musical instrument in existence.

 But it’s not all about music. There’s juggling, line dancing, rope jumping, dazzling illusions, and even a miniature circus, Cirque du Jour, which performs three shows in the middle school gymnasium. Offerings are chosen to appeal to people of all ages, and this year’s program includes a whole slate of performances geared to teens and tweens.

 While buttons are needed for most indoor events, they don’t guarantee admission — that’s dictated by the capacity of the venue. So if there’s a particular performance you don’t want to miss, show up early.

 Those buttons make a great keepsake and support First Night Chatham, a nonprofit organization that doesn’t receive funding from the town. But there’s plenty of fun to be had without a button. Don’t miss the town photo at the lighthouse at noon, and spare some time to watch the Carnival Caper road race at 3 p.m., or better yet, don your favorite costume and take part. There’s the ever-popular Bubble Wrap Stomp at the community center aerobics room starting at 1 p.m. and lasting as long as the bubble wrap lasts. Think it’s just for kids? Give it a try, grownups!

 If you’ve never been to First Night before, the not-to-be-missed centerpiece is the Noise Parade. Bring a foghorn, drum, party favor, duck call, or any other noisemaker and join the procession along Main Street from Cross Street to Veterans Field, stepping off at 6 p.m. And when you arrive at Veterans Field, be ready for a fireworks spectacle.

 As you stroll downtown Chatham, don’t miss a number of wandering musicians and entertainers, and be sure to enjoy some local cuisine. Look for food trucks in the town hall parking lot offering everything from paninis and kettle corn to smoked barbecue. More food trucks are outside the community center and the middle school, and there are more food offerings at the Methodist Church, St. Martin’s Lodge and elsewhere. You’ll bid adieu to 2025 with a full stomach, at the very least.

 Parking isn’t a worry, with lots of free parking at several satellite lots and a free shuttle bus. For details and for any late-breaking schedule updates, visit www.FirstNightChatham.com.