First Night North in St. Johnsbury

First Night North will go live this year with eight hours of in-person family-friendly performances in twelve St. Johnsbury venues, celebrating a jubilant return to the event’s street fair roots. As if gathering in person were not reason enough to celebrate after two years of virtual programming, this will be the festival’s 30th year. The eagerly anticipated festivities will take place Saturday, December 31st , from 4pm to midnight. Over 70 acts are scheduled, featuring nearly 200 artists in dozens of performances including longtime First Night North favorites like Bob and Sarah Amos, the Kingdom All Stars, Tritium Well, and Marko the Magician and Hypnotist. About a third of the acts scheduled are new to First Night North or haven’t performed at the St. Johnsbury festival in several years. Some of these acts include Kotoko Brass, Patti Casey, Loud Moon, and the BelAires. The schedule includes music, dance, comedy, storytelling, improv, magic, hypnotism, and more. Visit www.FirstNightNorth.org for the full schedule and artist bios. The immensely popular substance-free family-friendly New Year’s Eve attractions will include a variety of food trucks, the beloved pancake supper, and the Family Fun Fair -- hosted this year by the St. Johnsbury Community HUB. Instead of fireworks, First Night North has added a midnight dance party as the First Night Ball of Lights, crafted by The Foundry (and larger, by the way, than the famous New Year’s Ball that drops over Times Square) rises. The dance party aims to encourage participation, movement, and the sheer joy of coming together again as a community. Friends, families, and neighbors are invited to start the brand new year in the best way possible: together, engaged in community-wide celebration. Dance ribbons will be available to add to the festive flair, and celebrants are encouraged to make and bring their own as well. As always, First Night North relies on a large and dedicated team of volunteers. Volunteers get free First Night admission in exchange for one two-hour shift. To learn more about the First Night North performing artists, schedule, food options, and more, visit www.FirstNightNorth.org. Buttons are on sale now, and early bid rates are available through December 24th. Pre-K children attend free of charge, as do volunteers, who get one free admission button for two hours of First Night North service. While no specific Covid-related protocols are anticipated at this time, please stay tuned for evolving guidelines.