BUFFALO, N.Y. (December 2, 2009) - Welcome 2010 at the ultimate drug- and alcohol- free New Year’s Eve event at the Independent Health Foundation’s First Night® Buffalo celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
The annual holiday family tradition is celebrating its 21st year with activities for all ages to ring in the New Year, including rides and amusements, a storybook forest, live theater, music, dance competitions, roller skating, exotic reptiles, explosive science experiments, the grand finale balloon drop and more.
“For more than 20 years, Western New York families have celebrated a drug and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve by enjoying First Night Buffalo activities in downtown Buffalo,” said Carrie Meyer, executive director, Independent Health Foundation. “The Independent Health Foundation, Western New York United Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse and the City of Buffalo are pleased to present this fun, affordable and safe drug- and alcohol-free event for area families to celebrate the New Year. Once again, we have many great activities planned this year, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of area families.”
Tickets are $8 and are now on sale at all area Wegmans locations. Admission tickets include all rides, games and attractions. Children 2-years-old and under are free. Tickets are $10 at the door.
“First Night Buffalo is one of Western New York’s signature events – a mainstay in the City of Buffalo,” said Michael W. Cropp, M.D., president and chief executive officer, Independent Health. “This event is planned with the community’s health and well-being in mind and provides a positive and fun environment to start the New Year. Independent Health is pleased to support this event each year, and we’re grateful to our sponsors, dedicated volunteers and the community who help present this holiday tradition each year.”
One of the original founders of First Night Buffalo, WNY United Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse, is partnering with the Independent Health Foundation to help spread the alcohol- and drug-free message in the community.
“WNY United Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse is pleased to be a part of First Night Buffalo once again,” said Kate Chudoba, public awareness coordinator for WNY United. “We believe that this is truly an important night for the families of Western New York to celebrate together in a safe, fun and drug and alcohol free environment. WNY United and the Independent Health Foundation mutually promote healthy choices. We look forward to this partnership and to celebrating the Arts; therefore, there is no better way to ring in the New Year than by spending it at First Night Buffalo. We hope to see you there.”
New to First Night Buffalo is WNY United’s “Drug-Free Tree.” The tree is the kick-off of the agency's “Responsible Choices” campaign that encourages people to make responsible decisions, especially concerning drinking and driving during the holiday season. This year, the tree will be on display at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center through First Night Buffalo. Ornaments on the tree are made by students from local schools and offer hope for a safe and drug-free holiday and serves to remind observers that drugs, including alcohol, are not necessary for holiday fun, Chudoba said. The “Drug-Free Tree” is sponsored by Evans Bank.
Free parking is available at the Fernbach, Main Place Mall and Turner ramps, courtesy of Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps, Buffalo Board of Parking and Mayor Byron W. Brown.
“I commend the Independent Health Foundation for its annual staging of First Night Buffalo, which provides great family fun and entertainment in a safe, alcohol- and drug-free atmosphere in downtown Buffalo,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “This event is a great way to celebrate the New Year with family and friends and I look forward to joining the thousands of area residents who will come downtown this year for another edition of this tremendous holiday tradition.”
Some of the First Night Buffalo Shows include:
- Doktor Kaboom! performs original interactive Science Comedy shows for audiences of all ages. Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom! keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Join Kaboom! for a sidesplitting journey of increasingly spectacular (and often successful) science experiments designed to involve, excite, educate, and entertain.
- Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics
Recently seen on the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon show, Jeff Musial and his amazing collection of animals are a Buffalo favorite. Don’t miss this exciting and interactive show. You may have a chance to participate and see some special creatures up close and personal! These magnificent animals include a porcupine, lynx, a wallaby, snakes, turtles and more. - Storybook Forest
Bring your children to StoryBook Forest and experience the land of storybook imagination. Here you can walk through one children's story after another while live characters welcome you. Be sure to bring your camera! - Theatre of Youth
Join Theatre of Youth and come learn the 5-2-1-0 dance! Meet the Independent Health Foundation’s Fitness for Kids Challenge Crew - Jake, Tara, Rachel, Marco and Emily - as they come to life and learn to get fit in a fun, interactive Theatre of Youth road show performance “How the Fitness Kids got Fit.”
First Night Buffalo is sponsored by Channel 7, Independent Health, M&T Bank, Wegmans, The Buffalo News and Lamar.
Established in 1992, the Independent Health Foundation works to improve the health and well being of Western New York residents through awareness, prevention, education and other programs focused on community health priorities. For more information on the Foundation’s activities, visit www.independenthealth.com/foundation.