First
Night Chatham is a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration focused
on the arts. Based on the celebration created in Boston In 1976, First
Night celebrations are now held in more than 200 cities worldwide, but
only in Chatham on the Cape. First Night Chatham
has become a wonderful way for people to come together and ring in the
New Year in a festive, family friendly, alcohol-free atmosphere.
Centered on Main Street, First Night Chatham offers something for everyone
-- a circus, musicians, presentations by local artists, theater, opera,
entertainment, a bonfire, a noise parade, the Countdown Cod Drop, and
a fireworks finale!
In 2008, the theme chosen was Celebrate the Fun of the Forties! We remembered Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. We remembered Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B. Bambi and The Miracle on 34th Street. Gene Autrey, Glenn Miller, and Harry James. We wanted to bring in the new year in that fabulous 1940s style!
First Night Chatham
2008
Due to a major winter storm, all evening events had
to be cancelled at the request of public safety officials and input from
the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
Despite canceling events after 6:00pm, most scheduled activities from noon to 6:00pm occurred. There was a great opera performance on the 30th, and the fireworks display ran on Jan.1st. This is the first time in 18 years that severe weather has caused difficulty.
Although First Night Chatham understands that some patrons may have concerns about refunds, this organization made major financial commitments with entertainers, the fireworks company, police and fire safety officers, facilities, and many others. The group is not aware of any other First Night organization that offers refunds. A refund--even one recognizing the six hours when entertainment was provided, plus other events discussed-- would severely limit First Night’s ability to fund a celebration of the arts for patrons next year. Based on these considerations First Night regrets that it is not able to offer a button refund.
First Night is an all-volunteer self-supporting non-profit organization. It receives no funds from Town government or the Chamber of Commerce. All committee members and volunteers purchase their own buttons. First Night is keenly disappointed that work over the past year was compromised by a winter storm. The group hopes that patrons will understand this situation and that they can consider the unused portion of button cost as a donation to the arts.
FNC Committee
 |
 |
 |
 |
