By Alexandra Monfalcone
First Night Morris County prides itself on being family-friendly, and this weekend’s 25th anniversary edition did not disappoint.
The New Year’s Eve party started at 5 pm with a plethora of youth activities at Morristown High School. Two fireworks shows over the Morristown Green included a 9:15 pm display, for the younger set.
More than 10,000 attended the two fireworks shows, and for the second straight year, more than 5,800 people bought badges to attend art, comedy, dance and music presentations at 27 venues across Morristown, said First Night Director Craig Schlosser.
Mother Nature gave a big assist: A dry evening with the mercury in the 40s. “We put a bid in early and the weather gods complied,” said Dr. Lynn Siebert, artistic programmer for First Night.
One event that caught the attention of young and old was Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery. Hosted in the MHS cafeteria, it featured tarantulas, chinchillas, alligators, snakes, and more. The audience became increasingly engrossed as each new creature was shown.
Rizzo asked volunteers to interact with the animals, and it was evident that the children were braver than their parents. Only the kids had the guts to hold a burmese python or wear stick bugs on their heads.
Slideshow photos by Alexandra Monfalcone
In the high school’s main atrium, a children’s fun festival included face painting, feather-balancing, and more. Leigh Smargiassi was one of many enjoying the activities with her children. It was their first time at First Night.
“The kids activities are awesome! We’re having such a blast,” she said. When asked what they were most excited to see, Leigh’s daughter Madeline exclaimed:
“The fireworks!”
Arpita Sheth of Morristown brought a young relation from Edison, 7-year-old Sid. He knew exactly why he was there.
“The Legos! The only thing!” Sid said.
Dan Sang, 8, of Carlstadt, showed off a superhero that he constructed from Legos in the school cafeteria.
“I like how you can make anything with them–even Batman robots!” he said.
Dave and Poppy Stevens, British ex-pats living in Morris Plains, brought their kids, ages 11 and 7. They were looking forward to Johnny Peers and The Muttville Comix, an act featuring trained rescue dogs at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, followed by “the bullwhip-and-knife guy. And then we’re going home!” Poppy Stevens said.
She referred to Mr. Fish’s Knife Throwing and Bullwhips.
Volunteers estimated 700 people checked out the Whirled Revolution hula hooping demos in the high school’s auxiliary gym.
Another exciting event was the Latin Dance show with David Herrera and the DREAMS Dance Studio. They put on a colorful performance, filled with energy that brightened the entire gym.
An extremely young duo captivated the audience with incredible moves. The performers also invited the audience to join them. People of all ages were dancing with smiles on their faces.
For many, fireworks was the highlight. Everyone congregated on the Green to watch the chilly sky light up. Each member of the DeLitzia family focused intently on the pyrotechnics. When asked why they decided to visit First Night, one of the parents listed a few reasons.
“It looked like a lot of fun for kids. We wanted a celebration that the whole family could enjoy together. Plus, it looked like there were many cool events. It was our first time and we really enjoyed it!”
The 26th annual First Night will have a lot to live up to. One can only imagine what the organizers have in store for next year.
Alexandra Monfalcone is a senior at Morristown High School and an actress in the drama program. MG editor Kevin Coughlin contributed to this report. MorristownGreen.com is a proud sponsor of First Night Morris County.
VIDEOS FROM FIRST NIGHT MORRIS 2017
PHOTOS FROM FIRST NIGHT MORRIS 2017
FULL COVERAGE OF FIRST NIGHT MORRIS 2017
