By Rachel Shuster

“10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!” Glasses are raised, kisses are given, resolutions are made, and the sound of “Auld Lang Syne” echoes through the night. New Year’s Eve is a holiday that is synonymous with fun, so often there are so many choices and differing tastes to accommodate that it’s hard to decide exactly how to celebrate with family and friends. Fortunately for the Worcester community, First Night Worcester has something for everyone.

In its 26th year, and the largest New Year’s celebration of the arts in New England, First Night Worcester (FNW) 2008 is expected to be another success. Joyce Kressler, Executive Director of FNW, proudly describes the event as “…affordable, safe, and fabulous. It’s one of Worcester’s best kept secrets. No matter what your interest ~ we have it.” Kressler stresses that FNW isn’t just meant for family and kids, it’s also perfect for singles and anyone who enjoys nightlife in general ~ in other words, you, our Pulse readers!

This year, the DCU Center will hold many of these “grown-up” events, a line-up that includes hula dancing, 75 artists competing for cash prizes in a Best-in-Show sand castle competition, and performances by steel band Pan Loco and reggae band Hot Like Fire. Also, what better way to further celebrate this year’s FNW theme of Tropical Destinations than to have a performance by Jimmy Buffet cover band Changes in Latitudes?! This nine piece band guarantees you’ll feel as though you’ve being whisked away to Margaritaville and an excellent beach party. Oh, and for those of you who’d like a little “Margarita” in your Margaritaville, don’t forget that, as Kressler says, “We don’t sell alcohol, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have it.” The bars and pubs along Main Street will be serving alcohol as they usually do, so there’s no need to feel deprived ~ just pop into your fave hangout to raise a toast to the New Year, then head out to enjoy more of the great FNW party.

And speaking of more, dive into the additional 100 events and activities during the two-part evening “…uniting everything through the arts,” invites Kressler. “3pm-6:30pm is more centered around family and kids. 7:15pm-12pm is more sophisticated, for an older crowd.” However, each event aims to appeal to everyone, regardless of age or interest. Some others to check out are Improv Boston, maniac jugglers, impressionists, an international food court, ethnic crafts, a miniature golf course, various genres of music, modern and Cambodian dance troops, “gravity defying gymnasts,” physical and ethnic theatre groups and much more.

How does it all work? Each person entering must have a button ~ they’re available at places like CVS and Barnes and Noble. Wear and flash the button at the various events and you’re good to go for the entire night. Each button costs $10 between December 1st & 24th, $12 between December 25th & 31st, and $15 at the door. Children 10 years and under are free. When purchasing the button, you will receive a 32 page program book describing each activity and event during the night. “It’s such a steal,” Kressler says, and we agree!

Want to help out? “We are always looking for volunteers to help at the event. We have about 100 volunteers who participate in different areas during the night.” Kressler says. Volunteering is a great way to help out the community, plus you get a free button! “Each volunteer works a 3-4 hour shift. So after your shift is over, check out all the excitement!”

So, on New Year’s Day when getting out of bed seems impossible and there’s confetti stuck in your hair, remember how much fun you had the night before courtesy of First Night Worcester…See you there!

Want to know more? Check out www.firstnightworcester.org.