Raleigh
FIRST NIGHT RALEIGH
FAYETTEVILLE STREETWith 17 years under their belt, the organizers of Raleigh’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration know a thing or two about ringing in a brand new year. And this year’s event offers a variety of extravagant entertainment options to satisfy your body, mind and soul. For those craving the sparkle of fire and light, incendiary performances by Jason the Juggler (above) and a Full Circle Dance Company are sure to spark the evening air, with fire juggling and dancing. But if burning up the dance floor is more your style, then an evening of swing and zing at the ballroom dancing event will warm the soul. For those traditionalists, a jaunt in the cold air on a Gold Leaf sleigh ride carriage might fit the bill, or go old school and hang a New Year’s resolution on the Resolution Oak Tree, handcrafted by local sculptor Jennifer Van Orden. And for thrill-seekers, there’s the mystifying performance art of the Zany Umbrella Circus and the ad-lib comedy of Transactors Improv Co. Whatever the night may bring, be sure to catch the gorgeous artwork of Light Play, an artistic light installation illuminating Lichtin Plaza with abstract visuals and Raleigh-related images, before the acorn drops. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for kids. See www.firstnightraleigh.com for a full list of performers. Kathy Justice
