PORT TOWNSEND — The public is encouraged to pick up event passes for the Jefferson County Historical Society’s seventh annual edition of First Night, Port Townsend’s alcohol-free New Year’s Eve community celebration focusing on arts and heritage.
It is organized by the Jefferson County Historical Society and sponsored by First Federal Savings and Loan.
All activities take place in and around Port Townsend’s historic City Hall between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31.
“First Night is for everyone,” said historical society President Julie Marston.
“It has something for families, singles and couples of all ages.”
There will be musical performances, an art exhibit by Port Townsend High School students, a hands-on history game, film shorts presented by the Port Townsend Film Institute, children’s games conducted by the Port Townsend High School Interact Club, children’s stories presented by the Key City Public Theatre, a puppet show, a hands-on art project at Jefferson Community School, music at Elevated Ice Cream and the Boiler Room, dancing and theatrical presentations at Key City Public Theatre.
At 9 p.m. (midnight in New York), Port Townsend will get a head-start on the rest of the West Coast and usher in 2014 with the raising of an illuminated anchor created by sculptor Thaddeus Jurczynski, followed by an explosion of fireworks provided by David Chuljian and launched from Memorial Field.
Admission is by donation, with a suggested $5 per person or $10 per family.
Proceeds benefit historical society programs.
Admission passes are available at the Jefferson Museum of Art & History in historic City Hall, 540 Water St.
All pass-holders receive a raffle ticket for prizes from the Museum Shop.
The raffle will take place at the close of the evening following the fireworks, but winners need not be present.
“We couldn’t do it without all of our partners: Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, the city of Port Townsend, Port Townsend Police Department, Key City Public Theatre, Port Townsend Film Institute, Elevated Ice Cream, the Boiler Room, Interact, PTHS art students, Jefferson Community School and all of our wonderful artists, musicians and volunteers,” said historical society Executive Director Bill Tennent.
