FULLERTON : New Year’s Eve Fest Planned Downtown

The city will start a New Year’s Eve tradition tonight when the downtown area is cordoned off for an alcohol-free evening of entertainment, art and other family activities.

“First Night Fullerton” is modeled after a New Year’s Eve celebration started in Boston in 1976 when Zeran Earls, a Boston resident, offered a “very grand arts celebration” in that city’s downtown, said Ann Mottola, special events coordinator for Fullerton.

“It focuses on the creative experience by people instead of alcohol,” Mottola said. “There are a lot of good benefits for the community.”

To get approval from the International Alliance of First Night Cities, the organization that governs the events, the city promised not to serve alcohol or accept contributions from alcohol-related sponsors for the event.

The City Council approved the idea in June and kicked in $50,000. Several businesses, as well as the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, Fullerton College and St. Jude Medical Center, contributed another $10,000 for the party, Mottola said.

Activities for children will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a “Snow Zone,” where children can play in imported snow, and other attractions such as hay rides, spin art, storytellers, clowns, pony rides, games and plays.

At 7 p.m., “The People’s Procession,” a parade for anyone who cares to join in, will begin at the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Whiting Avenue and wind its way through the downtown, ending at Wilshire and Pomona avenues for the official opening ceremony.

Entertainment for the rest of the evening will include dancing and art exhibits. Performers, including a ragtime pianist, a Houdini-inspired magician and a ballet company will entertain until midnight, when a fireworks show will welcome the new year.

Mottola said only one other California city, South Lake Tahoe, holds “First Night” events. Nationwide, 65 cities will have similar programs.

Depending on the success of the night in Fullerton, Mottola said she hopes to continue the tradition every year.

“This isn’t just for Fullerton residents,” she said. “We want to invite people from as far as they want to drive to come to the event, or take the train. (Amtrak) stops just south of our festival site.”

Admission is a $5 button, which can be purchased at the Fullerton Museum Center; Fullerton Community Services Department, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave.; Independence Park, 801 W. Valencia Dr.; the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave.; and the Fullerton Senior Multi-Service Center, 340 W. Commonwealth Ave.

The buttons may also be purchased the night of the event at information booths. Children under 2 will be admitted free.

For more information on “First Night Fullerton,” call (714) 738-5357 or (714) 738-5335.