over and out for the time being

Well, it's done and by all accounts it was a good one.  The weather forecasts were way, way, way off by almost every outlet!  It was a beautiful (and warm!) day with no snow accumulation and people really seemed to enjoy themselves.

I just got the call that the ice sculptures are being knocked down this morning.  We inevitably get calls from people who are upset about this, but just so you know, we have to knock them down, because as a non-profit, we don't have the money to pay for their security post-event.  You may or may not be aware of this, but there are some people out there who can't be trusted not to hurt themselves by, for instance, climbing on an ice sculpture.  So, if you have to blame someone, blame it on the knuckleheads.

I saw some really great stuff personally.  I loved Bob Harmon's "Janus Arch" installation on Boston Common.  He had a very long line of revelers there, ready to ring the bell that represented hopes for the new year.  Tony V. was very funny as always.  David Parker & the Bang Group had the audience enthralled.  I couldn't get in to see Santiago Diaz or Sharon Kennedy as Nora Joyce because they were full to capacity!  The Procession was really great this year.  I especially loved Hawthorne Youth and Community Center's "Jingling Snowflakes" and the yellow puppets made out of Verizon Yellow Pages phone books.  What a great way to activiate a corporate sponsorship without looking too commercial. 

Thanks to all of those who came out to celebrate, and to all of those who make First Night possible through support. 

If anyone's looking for us, we'll be starting to plan this year's event today!