Saturday, November 27, 2010
Staff report
SALEM
The First Night Salem event is changing its name this year to save money.
The program will now be known as New Year’s Eve Salem, according to Randy P. Strader, the coordinator.
The First Night program is an international program for alcohol-free New Year’s eve events. It charges a fee to use the First Night name.
David K. Schwartz, who has been a coordinator in the First Night programs, said the idea is to save money by not being part of the First Night program.
“Money is tight everywhere,” he said.
Michael A. Grimstad, another coordinator for the event last year, said attendance was “one-third of what it should be.”
Officials last year said it appeared that the funding was about $2,000 less than in 2008. Officials then said they would be able to make that up; officials said they did not have attendance figures.
Advance tickets will be on sale for $5 at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Salem Community Center, Salem Giant Eagle, Salem Historical Society and all Salem banks. After Dec. 24, the cost of a ticket will be $8. Children 10 or younger get in for free.
People will receive a ticket instead of the First Night badge given out in years past.
The Kent State City Center will be the venue for rock and roll and the Masonic Temple for country and blue grass.
Other performers at the city center will be David Pasco performing as Elvis and Jose Sigurani with Latin American music.