Salem extravaganza promises bigger and better things

Kids can welcome the New Year early in the evening. Adults will stay up late.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- First Night Salem plans to ring in 2006 with an expanded celebration to kick off the city's Bicentennial Celebration.
Plans for the city's second New Year's Eve event are still being completed and subject to change, but First Night coordinator David K. Schwartz said the program will be bigger, with about 36 activities.
"For a small town, that's pretty good," Schwartz said. "There's nonstop stuff going on."
First Night also plans to increase attendance and make sure activities will keep people entertained until a fireworks show welcomes the New Year at Reilly Stadium.
"In our first year, we had over 1,000 people. I was quite pleased. We hope to double that," Schwartz said.
The official theme is "Magic, Music, and Memories," which accurately relates the events.
Events will be in 17 locations. Most are downtown, though some events will be at the high school and Salem Community Center. Schwartz said locations this year have also expanded east on East State Street.
Unusual locations
Schwartz said one hallmark of the celebration will include different events in unusual locations. For example, he said, there will be singing in the Bank One building.
"Christopher" will be performing classic magic tricks for adults at Stark Memorial.
"It's old-fashioned parlor magic in the funeral parlor," Schwartz said.
Music will range from classical to jazz. Schwartz said no tribute is planned for Alan Freed, who grew up in Salem and was the first disc jockey and concert producer of rock 'n' roll. That will be saved for the bicentennial.
"The music is just phenomenal," Schwartz said. "They are top of the line in all areas."
Some of the performers include The Jacob's Field Band, Mark Pringle performing as the "early Elvis," Beatles tribute band Abbey Road, the Salem Jubilee Choir, and The Quaker City Salvage Company, a band of local musicians who salvaged the name of the former business.
The Salem Historical Society will be offering tours of its museum from 8 to 10 p.m.
John Dunlap, who portrays Salem artist Charles Burchfield, will give talks at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at the Salem branch of the Butler Museum of American Art.
Events begin at 5:30 p.m. and will wrap up after midnight at the stadium.
Many children's events will be held at the Memorial Building. Kids can celebrate early with a balloon drop at 8 p.m.
Last year, there was a lull in events late in the evening before the fireworks, and the crowds thinned. Schwartz said this year, there will be events at the high school that will end about 11:40 p.m. so people can go to the stadium. Afterward, birthday cake will be served at St. Paul's Church.
Something for everyone
Don't want to roam around? The Center, a banquet room, will have dinner, dancing and music by the Frank Gallo Quartet.
Want to move around? The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce's Quakertown Trolley will be running. There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides.
CARTS, Columbiana County's public transportation system, will be providing handicapped-accessible vehicles.
Adults must buy a $10 badge, which also allows young children to attend for free. There may be additional costs for some events and food.
For information on all the events and links to performers and venues, visit http://www.geocities.com/firstnightsalem/.