The new year is on the horizon, and First Night Bradford has a full schedule of events to enjoy as the hours count down to 2022. Those who attend are asked to wear masks at all venues, as local case counts for COVID-19 have been on the rise.
“We are thankful for all of our generous sponsors, without them we wouldn’t be able to put this on. Their help has been phenomenal,” First Night Bradford Committee member Barb Pedersen said. “We are very excited to bring First Night back and be able to party with everyone and bring in the new year.”
The Bradford Area Public Library will have Marty’s Bubblegum Machine Dance Party for kids at 11 a.m. Friday as the first event of the day. This will be outdoors, so children who attend should dress warmly and also are asked to wear masks. This event is the only one on the schedule that does not require a button to attend.
There is no movie this year, but the First Skate will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Callahan Ice Rink, while First Bowl is at Byllye Lanes from 1 to 4 p.m. These events require buttons.
From 6 to 10 p.m., the YMCA will be open with two bounce houses and a light, sound and video game to entertain the youth, The Landmark Society will be open to provide history and refreshments while the Allegheny Mountain Arts Gallery will open its doors to those who enjoy art, with a chance to warm up with refreshments as well.
For entertainment, Michael Kent will be performing at the First United Methodist Church at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. Kent is a comedian and magician who combines his sarcastic sense of humor with mind-blowing magic in a way that seems to let the audience “in on the joke.” This style has made Kent one of the college market’s top comedy magicians, earning him loyal fans around the country in the process.
“We are excited to partner with BCPAC to bring in Michael Kent,” Pedersen said. “That wouldn’t happen without BCPAC being a sponsor.”
The Bradford Area High School Chorus will perform at 7 p.m., Jim Ronan and Dana Jared and the Wada Group, as well as Dan Roche offer various musical performances for First Night attendees to enjoy.
Bwana Jim and the Rock ‘n Roll Pet Store are on the schedule for Hill Memorial, which will also have refreshments for sale. The Studio B dancers are set to perform, and Kevin Abbott and Grant Orris are alternating with Brianna Blankenship. Larry Vee, who is a juggler and performs on a unicycle, will be alternating performances with Dennis Regling and his puppets at yet another location.
Grace Lutheran Community Life Center and the Leo Gallina Social Hall will be hosting events and have refreshments for sale.
One outdoor highlight of the schedule this year are horse and carriage rides, sponsored by Kathy Obermeyer, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Main Street.
The evening also includes a Block Party on Festival Way. Marshmellow Overcoat will perform from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and also be part of the countdown at midnight with the First Night committee. Food trucks will be on hand with various tasty options. This includes Phatt Grady with pulled pork sandwiches and Pork sauerkraut among other options, Brick Oven Pizza with pizza and beverages, Magic Bean Cafe with coffee and baked goods, BK Donuts and Roadrunner Novelties with ice cream and beverages.
Fireworks will be set off from Oak Hill Cemetery following the ball drop to celebrate the new year.
Buttons and booklets are on sale at the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, the BCPAC office, Northwest Bank at both the Main Street and Foster Brook locations, and Tops.
Buttons are required for ages 6 and up to get into any venues. Pedersen stated she will be at the Chamber office at 9 a.m. Friday with buttons for sale.
For those who can’t get to the above locations during the day, venues will also have buttons for sale and will have buttons for children under the age of 6, which are free. A limited number of masks will be available at each venue as well.
