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First Night Canfield rings in 2012 with fun
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Lilia Rappach, of Canfield, had her face painted by Patty the Facepainting Lady during First Night Canfield 2012 at Canfield Village Middle School..
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Clowns roamed the halls and gyms of Canfield Village Middle School entertaining children and adults alike during First Night Canfield 2012..
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Sydney Owen, of Lordstown, really got in the spirit and went all out to celebrate New Year’s Eve during First Night Canfield 2012 at Canfield Village Middle School. Owen was at the celebration with her family.
By ABBY SLANKER
Thousands rang in 2012 at the 14th annual First Night Canfield on Dec. 31, enjoying family entertainment throughout the city, with a focus on the arts.
The event averages about 2,500 revelers each year.
Entertainment was available at six venues around Canfield, including St. Michael’s Church and Family Life Center, Old North Church, Canfield Presbyterian Church, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Canfield Village Middle School and A La Cart Catering. The celebration culminated at midnight with a countdown to fireworks at Old North Church.
“First Night Canfield continues to be the only First Night in the U.S. that allows kids 18 and under to attend the event for free. This is the result of terrific, caring sponsors that value wholesome family entertainment enjoyed together in a safe, healthy environment. If just one child is inspired to follow their artistic dreams, we have made a difference. Through the years many have had the opportunity to get on-stage experience here in their hometown,” said Barbara Smith, First Night Canfield executive director, in a welcoming letter to all attendees.
St. Michael’s Church and Family Life Center offered the Teen Zone, which included area bands Northern Whale and Trial & Error and “The Magic Explosion” starring Matt Stevens. The church also offered a sports open gym.
The Canfield Presbyterian Church hosted organist Vic Marsilio, the Seraphim Singers “Viva Italia,” instrumental guitar duo String Theory, pianist Roman Rudnytsky, harpist Harper Kirk, Tapestries of Ohio and Carol Weakland, “Morgen of Avalon - Dreamspell.”
Lord of Life Lutheran Church offered performances by Michael Bailey, pianist Katie Fernstrom, Madison Gulfo and Chrissy Sylvester “Friends For Good,” harpist Sarah Clark, Adrian Labra, Burkes Irish Step and Dance, Stage Left Theater Arts Academy, finger style guitarist Adreanne Zeleny playing folk music and Liz Rubino Studios.
Old North Church provided a variety of entertainment, including Move Over Broadway performing their “Only Make Believe“ production, Lee Alverson and Suzanne Laughlin performing “Legends on Stage,” JD Eicher & The Goodnights, The Dickey White Band, The Penn-Ohio Singers, Cahal Dunne, Ronnie Navarra as The Elvis in Me, Walnut Lodge Dancers, James Willaman Situation and Sugarland tribute band Everyday America.
Continuous children’s entertainment was at Canfield Village Middle School and provided a variety of choices, including Porgie the Clown, Jocko the Clown, magic, face painting by Patty, caricatures and comedy by E.J. and Karmel Apple balloon artist and Aesop’s Fables by Fable Factory.
Children’s activities included Bounce-A-Round-A-Palooza, sponsored by Bounce-A-Round Boardman and Lights, Music and Big Balls, sponsored by Jubilee Christian Fellowship.
A La Cart Catering hosted two performances of Sarah McGraw’s cabaret dinner show “Spotlight on Broadway.”
Each venue provided food concessions, with proceeds going toward their philanthropies such as scholarships, mission trips and church programming.
The Kiwanis of Western Mahoning County provided concessions at the middle school.