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Official pleased with results of ‘New Year’s Eve Salem’
SALEM
David Schwartz, who helped spearhead the change from “First Night Salem” to “New Year’s Eve Salem,” said the result was “very good.”
The people involved decided not to participate in the international “First Night” New Year’s Eve program to save money after last year’s event drew thin crowds.
The celebration is smaller in order to save the $350 annual fee for First Night, an international program.
This year, Schwartz said, “The event was a little smaller, but there were more people. I think everyone had a good time.”
Instead of venues throughout the city, events were based at the Kent State University City Center, 230 N. Lincoln Ave., and the nearby Masonic Temple at 7786 State St.
The estimated turnout was about 1,000 people.
“That’s better than last year,” Schwartz said. “We’re quite happy.”
The events drew people of all ages.
Groups that were offering food also did well, he added.
Schwartz said that in looking toward the 2012 event, he wanted to get better use out of the gymnasium at KSU but wasn’t sure what could be done.