Salem extravaganza promises bigger and better things

The alcohol-free event is geared toward families with free kids' admission.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
CANFIELD -- The Canfield community is preparing for its ninth annual First Night celebration, and Bob Hudock, coordinator of entertainment, is excited to talk about all the reasons he feels that the Canfield celebration is unique.
"What makes our organization different than any other area First Night is that it is community-minded, with civic organizations, churches, students and other community residents that volunteer services," Hudock said. "Unlike other communities that have a board, we only have four people who do the planning, and the rest is done by volunteers. Every resident of Canfield can feel they are a part of this celebration."
First Night is a celebration of the arts, in an alcohol-free environment and family-oriented atmosphere, according to Hudock.
"We book ... Broadway-quality entertainment to fulfill the dreams of those who may not have the means to get to the big cities, and to encourage and inspire the dreams of our youth. We are fortunate to have so many local entertainers who have made it big, and are willing to come back and share their talent with the community."
Tracy Schuler is one example. She has put together two shows which will be performed back-to-back at Old North Church, from 7 p.m. until midnight. One is a variety show, "Razzmatazz," which stars Schuler as a performer/vocalist, and Matt Baker, of the United Kingdom, as comedian, magician and musician. The other show is "A Little Bit of Country, a Little Bit of Rock 'n' Roll," featuring Schuler and other guest artists.
For the kids
Hudock began his involvement with First Night organizing the visual art shows, but then moved on to children's entertainment. He raves about the fun events planned for the kids.
Entertainment is planned in at least four venues, where parents can drop their kids off, then go see another show. "We usually see about 600-800 kids in three hours," said Hudock. "By far, the biggest event for the children is 'Lights, Music, and Big Balls.' We have the new gym of the middle school filled with huge beach balls that the kids bounce around. There are strobe lights and music -- the kids love it."
Other children's events include Jocko the Clown, Hi-Pockets the Clown face painting, Bounce A Rounds, Big Smile Caricaturist, Hi-5 Man on Stilts, Caramel Apple Story Teller, and two shows by the Oakland's Magic Carpet Theatre.
Hudock said they created more children's events as a result of suggestions from surveys, and stresses that they are all well-organized and safe, with lots of adult volunteers.
Local talent
In addition to national and international performers, Hudock brags about local talent, which includes Canfield High vocalist Elysia Shutrump, who is also a member of Easy Street Productions. Others include Amanda Beagle, Craig Raymaley, Rickie Rock Dance and Baton studio, and Irish step dancers.
The celebration begins on New Year's Eve at 4 p.m. with two different cabaret dinner shows, and ends with a bonfire and fireworks, beginning at 11:30 p.m., outside the high school, where there will also be continuous ice sculpting throughout the evening.
Hudock says that people can park at any of the venues because there will be buses, including a wheelchair accessible vehicle, shuttling people to wherever they wish to go, all for free. Except for the cabaret dinner, all events are free, with the purchase of an admission button. "People are getting a $100 ticket for the cost of $10," said Hudock. Admission is free for pupils 18 and under.
For more information on First Night Canfield, call (330) 533- 2290 or visit www.firstnightcanfield.com.