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Home > Leadership > Mayor > Archive Press Releases > 2007 Archives > November 2007 > Music, Mystery, Magic for all at First Night Buffalo

Music, Mystery, Magic for all at First Night Buffalo

Source/Contact
Office of the Mayor
Peter K. Cutler
Director of Communications
716-851-4841
or
Valerie E. Pillo, (716) 635-4974
vpillo@independenthealth.com
511 Farber Drive
Buffalo, NY 14221

Music, Mystery, Magic! It’s what you and your family will experience at the Independent Health Foundation’s First Night Buffalo from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.

Independent Health Foundation officials announced details of this year’s event at a news conference Wednesday at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. The annual holiday family tradition presented by First Niagara Bank features activities for all ages to ring in the New Year, including the Purina Incredible Dog Team, rides, a storybook forest, mad science experiments, music, crafts, magic and illusions, exotic reptiles and more. First Night Buffalo has proven to be the ultimate drug and alcohol free New Year’s Eve party for nearly two decades.

“The Independent Health Foundation is pleased to present this safe, drug and alcohol free event for families each year,” said Carrie Meyer, executive director, Independent Health Foundation. “This event showcases our commitment to improving the health and wellness of the community and is the perfect way for families to celebrate the New Year with fun, healthy activities everyone can enjoy.”

Officials also experienced a preview of The Dennis George Original Variety Show who challenged City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, Michael W. Cropp, M.D., president and chief executive officer, Independent Health and Dan Cantara, regional president, First Niagara Bank, to a quiz game against three local teenagers.

“First Night Buffalo is one of the great annual downtown Buffalo family events and I commend the Independent Health Foundation for its strong commitment to making the event such a great success,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “For nineteen years, families have enjoyed the drug and alcohol free New Year's Eve activities presented at First Night Buffalo, so I encourage all families interested in this terrific event to come to downtown Buffalo this year and enjoy themselves amid an atmosphere of Music, Mystery and Magic!”

First Night tickets are $7 and go on sale Dec. 1 at all area Wegmans locations. Children 2-years-old and under are free. Tickets are $10 at the door. Free parking is available at the Fernbach, Main Place Mall and Turner ramps, courtesy of Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps and the City of Buffalo Board of Parking.


First Night Buffalo has outlasted many similar celebrations across the country and continues to draw capacity crowds to downtown each year.

“The Independent Health Foundation is steadfast in its dedication and commitment to this community,” said Michael W. Cropp, M.D. president and chief executive officer of Independent Health. “While other First Night events have been dwindling across the country, our Foundation has proudly presented First Night Buffalo for 19 years. It is one of the longest running First Night events in the country. That is quite an accomplishment.”

Please note that the schedule of events listed below is subject to change. For more information, visit the First Night Buffalo Web site at firstnightbuffalo.org or (716) 635-4959.

Main Exhibit Floor

Purina Incredible Dog Team
6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Catch the high flyin’ fun full of jumps, leaps and dog training!

Amusement Rides
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Thrill rides for kids.

Inflatable Fun
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Kids can challenge their skills in an obstacle course or just jump around.

Main Stage/ Exhibit Floor

Dinosaur Rock!
5:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.
Original lively show you won’t want to miss.

Magic & Illusions of John Steven Bloom
6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Music and sleight of hand will amaze kids and adults!

Center Banquet Room “Zoorific”

Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics
6 p.m. and 8 p.m.  
WNY’s favorite animal friend, Jeff Musiel, and his cast of characters.

Buffalo Zoological Society 
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Stop by the mini-zoo to learn about animals.


Room 106 Storybook Forest
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Join storyteller Alisse Sikes and your favorite characters on an enchanted journey.

Room 101 C, D, E & F
Mad Science
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.  
Gather around and watch some cool chemical reactions.

The Young Audiences Erie Canal Traveling Museum
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Learn about the Erie Canal.

Turtle Mural Project
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Visual artist and poet John Arnold combines an interest in undersea life with artwork in this interactive, educational program.

Crystal Beach Keepsakes
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Rose Ann Jankowiak-Hirsch, author of “Crystal Memories: 101 Years of Fun at Crystal Beach Park,” recalls the legendary days.

Crafts and Creations
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Explore your creative side with crafts and activities.

Room 101 A, B, G & H
Buffalo and Brandy
6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Interactive, rhythm-based program combines magic, drumming, singing and storytelling.

The Dennis George Original Variety Show
7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
What was the very first candy ever to be wrapped in foil? What was the very first vegetable ever to be frozen?  Test your knowledge in this fun family game show!

Established in 1992, the Independent Health Foundation works to improve the health and well being of Western New York residents through health awareness, prevention, wellness education and other programs focused on community health priorities. For more information on the Foundation’s activities, visit www.independenthealth.com.