First Night Greater Grand Forks mission is to develop a tradition for celebrating the New Year in a family-orientated, safe, and alcohol-free environment. This annual event fosters appreciation of visual and performing arts and cultural activities by creating an atmosphere in which children and teenagers can join with parents and grandparents in celebrating the New Year.

Description:
It takes a full year to plan First Night. A board of directors leads First Night plans, with four committees supporting Fist Night objectives: fundraising, programming, finance, and marketing. Volunteers are needed for all committees and the board of directors.

The board typically meets once a month during a lunch meeting. Committees each have monthly meetings, with some meetings occurring more frequently during busy times. For example, the programming and fundraising committees are most active March–August, whereas marketing is most active September–December.

Most volunteers indicate that they spend one to two hours a week working on First Night activities. You can participate at whatever level you are comfortable with; however, attendance at monthly meetings is strongly encouraged.

History:
The original First Night celebration began in Boston in 1976 by a group of artists trying to create a wonderful alternative to the typical New Year’s Eve celebration. For the past 13 years, First Night Greater Grand Forks has hosted performances by regional artists in venues throughout downtown Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Attendees experienced an array of musical acts, comedy, sleigh rides, ethnic dance, and ice sculptures all for the price of one admission button.

Contact people:

Sheryl Holter Vogel, Executive Director, (218) 230-4231, (email) Jill Fritel, Board President, (701) 795-6294, (email)

Address:

PO Box 5963 Grand Forks, ND 58201

Web Site: http://www.firstnightggf.org/