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The Oneonta Daily Star Editorial of Monday, January 4, 1999
First Night speaks well of Oneonta
A year ago we opined that we thought the inaugural First Night in Oneonta went so well that we ought to do it again this year. Well, we did and it turned out to be all that we had expected, right down to the first real wintery weather of the season.
The success of the First Night festivities again this year is a credit to the small group of volunteers who spent much of 1998 planning the event. While walking from venue to venue Thursday night, it was clear to anyone that a tremendous amount of work went into planning such an event.
Organizers hadn't compiled all their numbers as of Friday night, but they estimated that more than 5,000 people came downtown and visited at least one First Night venue. That's a lot more than last year's 4,500 Ñ and this year the wind chill seemed much colder.
First Night is an international organization that helps promote a nonalcoholic celebration of the new year through arts and music. On New Year's Eve, events were held in Oneonta and nearly 200 other cities across North America.
Like last year, people were in high spirits (without the catalyst of grain spirits) as they bundled up to trek down Main Street to hear Oneonta's famous "Blast from the Past" DJs and then on to Academy Street for some swing dancing to music by a big band of area musicians.
The first half of the six-hour event was popular with families with children who wouldn't be out celebrating New Year's Eve except for the G-rated, nonalcoholic entertainment that is the hallmark of First Night. And teen-agers were attracted to venues to hear band members they go to school with.
One of the best scenes was with the DJs. They were playing early rock 'n' roll from the late '50 and their dance audience was mainly youths in their early teens. Their parents, who probably grew up with the music, sat around watching.
There are not too many occasions today where all age groups can have fun together. Many venues were filled with people happy for the opportunity to spend hours in their own community being entertained by local talent. They had hot cider or hot chocolate, and enjoyed the chance to bring in a new year without the need for a drink to have fun.
It is inspirational that a small group of volunteers on the committee could pull off such a large festival. It takes dedication and the willingness of many other people to pitch in. It is a credit to the greater Oneonta area that we were able to do it again.
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