>> MAKE PLANS TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A SLEW OF ACTIVITIES IN THE 'BURG FIRST NIGHT FUN FOR FREDERICKSBURG

First Night Fredericksburg 2009

Date published: 12/25/2008

By Corey Byers

If you're opting to stay close to home next week for a family-friendly and affordable New Year's Eve bash, First Night Fredericksburg is once again taking over the streets and filling them with music, arts and entertainment.

Sarah Byrne, special-events and marketing coordinator for the city's Parks and Recreation Department, said this year's celebration aims to make activities for children more interactive than in years past.

Byrne said highlights of this year's event include the city's newly opened museum, a roaming a cappella group dressed as Victorian carolers, and youth rock bands.

Sponsors include the city of Fredericksburg, The Free Lance-Star, the Star Radio Group, Wawa and Virginia Paving Co.

Families can even win a four-pack of passes to First Night--go to fredericksburg.com and look for the First Night logo.

Below are some highlights of events ushering in 2009. Festivities start at 6:30 p.m.

Forget parking here on New Year's Eve--the lot near the corner of Sophia and Hanover streets will be packed with rock music from hometown band Crown Vic and acoustic sounds from Slaymaker Duo. Show times for the two alternate throughout the evening.

Kiddie City

Come here for kid-friendly entertainment including arts, crafts and interactive activities at the Sophia Street lot. Face painting by Fun2cFaces is available until 11:30 p.m., along with bubble stomps.

Real School of Rock

Teenage and youth bands will fill Market Square with music from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., and pump up the crowd for the children's countdown from 8:45 to 9:15 p.m.

Luminaria Labyrinth

Looking for some inner peace and tranquillity? Walk the candlelit labyrinth, built by Spirit Works of Virginia, near the corner of Caroline and Lewis streets during the festivities.

Music and karaoke

Performers dot the evening schedule, with rock band Tereu Tereu, classic rock act Pam Pelano Band, island rocker Gerry Maddox--and Impressions Entertainment hosting two separate hours of karaoke. Check schedule for times, venues.

Paint your own pottery

Wear your First Night Fredericksburg button to Pots and Palettes on Sophia Street, and receive half off the studio fee until 11 p.m.

LibertyTown Arts Workshop

If you want to leave artwork to the professionals, head to this gallery on Liberty Street for interactive printmaking with Elizabeth Seaver at 6:30 p.m. and a pottery demonstration by Beth Jordan at 8:30 p.m.

Puppets, dancing and more

Kaydee Puppets will visit Fredericksburg Baptist Church at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. When it's time to move your feet again, check out Black Hats & Diamonds line dancing and PRISM Dancers oriental dance at Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church. Times vary.

Tours to tackle

From 6:30 to 9 p.m., tour the newly opened Fredericksburg Area Museum at the corner of William and Princes Anne streets. There is no charge for trolley tours; trolley stops are on the corner of Charlotte and Caroline streets and at the library.

Midnight gathering

As the minutes start dwindling down from 2008, make your way to the Visitors Center on Caroline Street to ring in the new year. A larger-than-life lantern will be illuminated to kick off 2009.

--Corey Byers

What: First Night Fredericksburg 2009 When: Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m.-midnight, rain or shine Where: Downtown Fredericksburg. Cost: $8 per button; children under 3 attend for free. Buttons are on sale through Dec. 31 at various locations and are required for indoor and tent performances and rides on FRED buses and the trolley. Info: 540/ 372-1086 or firstnightfredericksburg.com. OTHER LOCAL EVENTS Bark in the new year What: "Greatest American Dog" finalist Andrew and owner Laurie Williams will host the Bark in the New Year's Eve party. Dog owners and their leashed, currently immunized and well-behaved dogs are invited. Event will feature a buffet with hors d'oeuvres for humans and pups, music by a DJ, soft drinks, cash bar, champagne toast and gift bags. When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1 Where: Pup 'N Iron, 21 Perchwood Drive, Unit 111, Stafford, visit or call to purchase tickets in advance Cost: $25 per person or $40 per couple in advance or $30 per person and $50 per couple at the door. Info: 540/ 659-7614 or e-mail onesmartpooch@aol.com Winter Wonderland Ball What: Rubicon Cafe will host the alcohol-free Winter Wonderland semiformal ball, with live music, hors d'oeuvres, dancing and party games. Children and students will have their own free party in the children's wing with games, activity stations and pizza. Child care will be provided for children under 5. When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 Where: Salem Fields Community Church, 11120 Gordon Road, Fredericksburg Cost: $15 per person; tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at Pete's Place bookstore. Info: 540/ 786-6212 or e-mail john@salemfields.com

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Date published: 12/25/2008