Another successful year for Canfield First Night

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Party Place made getting decked out for New Year's Eve easy with a selection of hats and accessories they provided for the event at Canfield High School.

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Cartoonists and baloonists were part of the First Night Canfield activities throughout Canfield High School on New Year's Eve. Here, Courtney (left) and Jena show off their carictures. Last names were not provided.

Canfield enjoyed its 12th annual New Year’s Eve celebration of the Arts and like years before, it was a success.

“We gauge our success in smiling faces, laughter and applause,” Suzanne Heino, director of Canfield First Night said. Nearly 40 teens took part in the Game On! Game Room and two families went home with a Wii system donated by GameOn in Salem. In adjacent rooms, youth and area bands performed. “This keeps our teens in a safe environment having fun,” Heino said.

This was a year for the youth to shine.

Out of 214 performers, more than 80 were youth who were hired to share their talent with the community. In speaking with guests, Heino said that many were in awe of the talent that surrounded them that night.

This year’s First Night attendance fell in line with previous years at up to 3,000 guests. Many are youth and families looking for a safe, fun way to ring in the New Year.

The celebration takes 130 sponsors who provide cash donations and in-kind services to keep the event affordable and allow it to be the only First Night event in the U.S. to offer kids 18 and under free admission. Applications for grants that recognize the value of the arts and the role they play in educating children were assisted by the Ohio Arts Council, Ohio Department of Drug and Alcohol Services, Target Foundation, Mahoning County Green Team, Home Saving Charitable Foundation and Key Bank Foundation. The City of Canfield, Canfield Township, Canfield Local Schools and all area churches also supported and assisted in the event.

Plans for next year have begun. Surveys from that night will be reviewed and new volunteers and performers will be sought. Aspiring artists should submit their button designs by June 1, 2010.

For details on how to get involved, call 330-533-2290 or visit www.FirstNightCanfield.com.