City of Wilmington News and Information

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, December 29, 2009

City Announces Schedule for First Night Celebration

The City of Wilmington announced today the schedule of events for First Night Wilmington 2010. Founded 17 years ago by The News Journal and the City of Wilmington, First Night Wilmington will be celebrated in and around Rodney Square on New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31, 2009 beginning at 6:00 p.m. and concluding with fireworks around 10:00 p.m.

For the first time ever, this year’s event is free to the community (admission buttons are no longer needed for entry).  First Night Wilmington is a family-oriented, alcohol-free, fun-filled celebration for all ages.

Schedule of Events

• 6:00 p.m.– Opening performance by the Chinese American Community Center Dragon and Lion Dance Club. Skating begins on the First Night artificial ice skating rink (Market Street between 10th and 11th). Unveiling of “Weaving Tapestries of Hope” youth art exhibit (Main Tent in Rodney Square).
• 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. – Youth Performers from the Christina Cultural Arts Center (Main Tent)
• 7:00 – 7:15 p.m. and 7:30 – 7:45 p.m.– Indonesian Cultural Club dance performance (Main Tent)
• 7:15 – 7:30 p.m. and 7:45 – 8:00 p.m. – Chinese American Community Center Folk Dance Troupe (Main Tent)
• 8:00 – 9:45 p.m. – Beatlemania Again Live Stage Show (Main Tent)
• 10:00 p.m. – Grand Fireworks finale over Rodney Square

Special Children’s Activities

• 6:00 – 9:30 p.m.    Orbotron, Avalanche Moon Bounce, Trampoline Thing and Trackless Train (King Street between 10th and 11th)
• 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.       Jack the Balloon Man (Roving)

Event Parking

The following lots will provide complimentary parking for First Night Wilmington 2010 participants:

Wilmington Parking Authority
8th and Orange Street Lot
Customs House Square/Alico Garage (at the DoubleTree Hotel, 700 Block King Street)

Colonial Parking, Inc.
10th and Washington Street Lot
10th and Jefferson Street Lot
10th and Walnut Street Lot
4th and King Street Ships Tavern Lot
6th and Shipley Street Lot
6th and Orange Street Lot
5th and Orange Street Lot

Street Closures

Wednesday, December 30
Market Street between 10th and 11th streets 7:00 am – 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 31
Market between 9th and 10th @ 10:00 a.m.
King Street between 10th and 11th @ 12:00 noon
10th between French and Shipley @ 2:00 p.m.
King Street from 9th to 12th closed 2:00 p.m.
11th street from French to Market @ 2:00 p.m.
Market between 8th and 9th @ 4:00 p.m.
French Street between 10th and 12th @ 8:00 p.m.
Walnut Street between 8th and 12th @9:15 p.m.
9th Street, Washington to King

ADA Accessibility

All First Night event venues are handicapped accessible. Parking lots have designated reserved parking spaces.  On street parking has also been reserved in the 1100 block of Market Street (near First and Central Presbyterian Church).

Sponsors

City of Wilmington and First Night Wilmington Inc. acknowledge and thank the following sponsors for their support of this unique community event: The News Journal, co-founding sponsor; Bank of America; Delmarva Power; DuPont; Wilmington Trust; Chase; Verizon; Richards, Layton & Finger; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware; Mid Atlantic AAA; Comcast; Out & About Magazine; Delaware Division of the Arts; and Gannett Foundation.

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