PORT TOWNSEND — The city’s newest tradition, the First Night celebration, rings in 2010 early on Thursday night with entertainment for the entire family.
Jefferson County Historical Society oversees the alcohol-free New Year’s Eve community celebration focusing on art, culture and heritage.
The historical society organized the event, which is sponsored by First Federal.
All activities take place in and around Port Townsend’s historic City Hall between 6 and 9 p.m. Thursday.
“First Night is for everyone,” said Vicki Davis, historical society president.
“It has something for families, singles and couples of all ages.”
This year, a maritime theme will tie many of the events together.
Most activities will take place in the old City Hall, 540 Water St., with musical singalongs and Broadway show tunes featured in the City Council Chambers on the building’s second floor.
Photos, performers
A photography exhibit will be mounted in the City Hall Hildt Room, and musicians and actors will perform in the Fire Hall.
A hands-on “history bingo” and a maritime history project will take place in the City Hall Courtroom, and the Port Townsend High School Interact Club will be conducting children’s games in the jail cells of the old City Hall’s basement.
The Port Townsend Athletic Club, 229 Monroe St., across from Jefferson County Memorial Athletic Field, will be a venue for children’s stories presented by the Key City Public Theatre.
At Jefferson Community School, 280 Quincy St., Suite I, children will create maritime art pieces called “sailor’s valentines,” and the Key City Playhouse will feature “The Best of PT Shorts.”
At Elevated Ice Cream Co. & Candy Shop, 631 Water St., face painting and live music will be featured.
The Pope Marine Building, across Water Street from City Hall, will be jumping with square dancing, line dancing, round dancing and folk dancing.
Live music will also be featured at the Boiler Room, 711 Water St.
Port Townsend will get the three-hour jump on the rest of the West Coast at 9 p.m. — midnight on the East Coast — to usher in 2010.
The illuminated anchor created by sculptor Thaddeus Jurczynski will be raised, followed by an explosion of fireworks provided by David Chuljian, a Port Townsend dentist who doubles as a pyrotechnist.
The fireworks will be launched from Memorial Field.
Admission is by donation, suggested at $5, and proceeds benefit historical society programs.
Admission passes are available until 6 p.m. Thursday in the museum in the old City Hall.
All pass holders receive a raffle ticket for prizes donated by local merchants. The raffle will take place at the close of the evening following the fireworks, but participants need not be present to win.
Early purchases
“We encourage people to get their passes in advance this year to avoid the rush when the event starts,” said Bill Tennent, historical society executive director.
“New this year, people who pick up passes in advance will receive discounts at [three] downtown restaurants prior to 6 p.m.”
The restaurants offering 10 percent discounts to First Night participants before the event are Jordini’s, 929 Water St.; El Sarape, 628 Water St.; and Khu Larb Thai, 225 Adams St.
Partners in the event are Jefferson County Public Health, Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, the city of Port Townsend, Key City Public Theatre, the students from Interact and Jefferson Community School and a number of artists, musicians and volunteers.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.