First Night Youngstown unveils logo design for New Year’s 2009 festivities

By ELISE FRANCO

This will be the ninth year Youngstown has celebrated First Night.

YOUNGSTOWN — The logo for the 2009 First Night Youngstown button was to be unveiled today at the organization’s headquarters.

The new button was designed by Renee Cannon, who works for the marketing department at Youngstown State University.

Cannon’s design was chosen as the best over several others by the First Night Youngstown board members.

First Night is an international alliance of more than 200 New Year’s Eve celebrations in four countries, according to FirstNight Youngstown.org. The evening is about spending time with members of the community and family in an alcohol-free environment.

“It’s a New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts,” Debbie Delquadri, coordinator of First Night Youngstown, said. “It’s a nice night that gets families together, and it’s a good time.”

On New Year’s Eve, the buttons act as an all-access pass to each venue and event sponsored by the organization. Buttons cost $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens and free for children under 12.

“They will be sold at various locations, but First Night is teaming up with Henry Nemenz this year,” said Delquadri. “He’ll be doing his own promotions at his IGA and Save-A-Lot stores.”

She said the buttons for the ninth annual Youngstown event are also sold at downtown locations like City Hall and the Children’s Museum of the Valley.

Delquadri also said the organization’s partnership with Henry Nemenz as well as a list of entertainers for the event will be announced, too.