Photo: First Night Boston
BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - The countdown to 2023 is on and Boston is a buzz, gearing up for it's annual First Night celebration.
Kicking things off at Noon on Saturday December 31st, Copley Square will be the center stage for the celebration, with performances and activities taking place at area churches, the Boston Public Library, and Copley Place Mall. The main stage will sit directly in front of the Boston Public Library, with Dartmouth Street closed to traffic.
"We are proud to keep this Boston tradition shining bright, and entirely free for guests of all ages," said Dusty Rhodes, president of Conventures, and organizer of First Night. "We are very appreciative of the support of our corporate sponsors, and from the City of Boston, without whom this even would not be possible. We can't wait to welcome Boston's visitors and residents alike on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day."
This year's celebrations will feature two firework displays. The first will follow a parade from Copley to the Boston Common, where the Family Fireworks over the Common will begin at 7:00 p.m. Then at midnight, Fireworks over Boston Harbor will light up the sky. The show will be produced once again by the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park.
Just a reminder, it is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks.
"Boston Fire is ready to work with our city and state agencies to have a successful First Night Celebration," said Commissioner Paul F. Burke, Boston Fire Department. "BFD will have our Tactical Response Unit, Hazmat Techs, Inspectors as well as fully staffed engine companies on and around the event areas to support the public's safety in any we can."
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's office announced First Night safety preparations as the city prepares for it's first year back to regular, full programming since the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We all deserve to enjoy these celebrations and want to preserve the sense of First Night by truly being welcoming to everyone from every generation," Wu said. "The majority of this year's activities and performances will take outside so please be sure to check the weather, layer up and dress accordingly. I hope everyone has a wonderful new year and can't wait to see you all at the parade and all of the festivities this weekend."
The Boston Police Department will be in attendance through out the evening. The department is reminding attendees consuming alcohol or marijuana in public spaces is prohibited, as well as flying drones at any First Night activity.
"We will not only have a large presence around official First Night celebrations but across the City in all of our neighborhoods as well," said Commissioner Michael Cox, Boston Police Department. "We will utilize all specialized units needed to ensure public safety and we ask for the public's assistance in making this a Happy New Year for all."
As the City of Boston deals with the 'tripledemic' of Covid-19, RSV and the flu, the Boston Public Health Commission is recommending wearing masks when attending indoor events to help stop the spread of respiratory illness. Please stay home if you fell unwell.
The MBTA will be free on all modes of travel after 8:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Updated holiday schedules can be found here.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports
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