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Letter to the editor

Here's everything you need to know to do First Night right

Tips from the event's executive director: Look at the program in advance. Wear comfy shoes.

By JACOB H. FRIES, Times Staff Writer
Published December 31, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Scott Keeler | Times] St. Petersburg fine artists Carol Mickett and Robert Stackhouse erect the foundation of their 24-foot "Peace O' Eight," a cypress wood boat that will be on display on First Night in North Straub Park. People are going to be encouraged to write their New Year's resolutions on it.

ST. PETERSBURG - Start the countdown. New Year is here.

And for thousands of revelers, that means First Night, the city's annual year-end bash in downtown is at hand. Tonight's family-oriented festivities will include music, dance, games, art and fireworks. It costs nothing to stroll and view outdoor sights, but buttons are required to get inside the many venues. Adults pay $10, and children ages 6 to 12 pay $5.

Pat Mason, First Night executive director, said she expects the event to draw as many 15,000.

What's new this year?

We have a special project by Robert Stackhouse called "Peace O' Eight." ... Stackhouse is building a boat in North Straub Park, and people are going to be encouraged to write their New Year's resolutions on it. Then we're going to set the boat on fire at 11 p.m. The symbolism is that a lot of times on New Year's Eve, people would build bonfires. Fires are a cleansing thing. ... Oh, I don't know. It seemed like a fun thing to do.

What's your advice to revelers?

My advice is always to look at the program in advance. That way, you won't hear about something the following day that you missed and say, "Well, I didn't know that was going on."

Anything people should bring?

They should wear their walking shoes, and they should not be carrying anything around. There is a lot to see. There are 25 different stages, and you can't see it all.

Any security concerns after the disturbance at BayWalk on Christmas Day?

The police are professional. They know what to do. ... This is our 15th First Night, and we've never had an incident. The audience that goes to First Night is the nicest group of people.

Where can someone buy an admission button?

Publix in the Northeast Shopping Center, the Pier, the Chamber of Commerce, the Arts Center and the Florida Craftsmen Gallery. And we're going to have a button tent at Beach Drive and Second Avenue N on the day of the event, beginning at 2 p.m.

Where can you find a map and schedule?

You get one when you buy a button. You can also go to our Web site, www.firstnightstpete.com.

[Last modified December 30, 2007, 20:19:44]