Locals are invited to come out and ring in the New Year with friends and neighbors at First Night Bradford. This drug and alcohol-free event has been going strong for more than 20 years and this year promises to be the best yet.

For the price of a $6 button, locals can get access to the special parties and performances held on New Year’s Eve all around town. Entertainment will feature both local and regional talent. Children younger than 6 years old will be admitted at no cost. Buttons are currently available from the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Bank at both Main Street and Foster Brook locations, the Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center, WESB/WBRR radio station and Tops Friendly Markets. Children’s buttons are available at venue locations during First Night Bradford or from the Chamber of Commerce from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Whether you love to ice skate, bowl or enjoy live music, there is something for everyone at First Night Bradford.

The fun begins at the Bradford Public Library. They will host a New Year’s Party for children from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

First Bowl, free bowling for those with a button, will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Byllye Lanes. Similarly, First Skate will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at Callahan Park.

A free movie will be shown at 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.

Horse and carriage rides will be offered on Main Street from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event is sponsored by Kathy Obermeyer ERA Team VP Real Estate.

Church of the Ascension will host Fair Enough, who will perform at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m, while Choko Aiken & Friends will perform at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Father Leo Galina Social Hall will host Kevin Abbott & Grant Orris, who will play two performances, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., as well as First Night Karaoke at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

St. Bernard Auditorium will host several dance performances. Studio B Dance Academy will perform at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Starlit Dance Connection will perform at 7 p.m.

Hill Memorial Social Hall will host Rock and Roll Pet Store at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. They will also host Bwana Jim at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

First Presbyterian Social Hall will host Dennis Regling Puppeteer & Illusions for 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. performances.

Grace Lutheran Church will host Marty’s Bubblegum Machine at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.; and Tom Piccirillo for 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. performances.

The Marilyn Horne Ballroom will host the Twin Tiers Community Band from 6 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. which will be followed by GrooVe Bros: Jim Ronan & Dana Jared, who will perform from 8 p.m. to 10:50 p.m.

First United Methodist Church will show a free movie or host the Christian Praise Team from 6 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. The Bradford Area High School Chorus will perform there at 8 p.m., followed by the praise team at 9 p.m.

B-Free Church Social Hall will host face painting at 6 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. They will also host the Magic of Mr. J at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The STEPS Drop In Center will host two performances of STEPS Singers with Maggie Travis at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. There will also be a First Night Variety Show held at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Finally, from 10:30 to 12:30, locals are asked to come gather for a block party hosted by WESB/WBRR on Festival Way. Come see the gazebo drop and ring in the new year in style!