By Grace Zokovitch
Boston Herald
BOSTON — Boston is preparing for another massive First Night celebration on New Year’s Eve with fireworks, a parade, ice sculptures and more, city officials said, urging everyone to stay safe and warm throughout the festivities.
“Nearly 50 years ago, our First Night tradition began in Boston when quilter Clara Wainwright brought together a group of local artists and performers to try something new to welcome the new year,” Mayor Michelle Wu said Monday. “A family-friendly celebration of art, joy and community was born. Now First Night in Boston is known around the world, and we are proud that of these 50 years, the last three now have been on City Hall Plaza .”
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First Night staff, Boston Police, Fire, EMS and the MBTA are preparing a lineup of safety precautions as hundreds of thousands of people head through downtown to enjoy the city’s traditional festivities.
The First Night festivities will last from 10 a.m. to midnight and center at City Hall plaza, with events taking place also at Copley Square, the Long Wharf, Boston Common and across the city. Events will include live music, fireworks displays at 7 p.m. and midnight, a parade, a puppet show, a Frog Pond skating spectacular, archery lesson and more.
The mayor reminded residents of the dos and don’ts of the family-friendly festivities, noting “keeping all of us safe involves each and every one of us.”
Everyone should dress warmly for the weather, city officials urged repeatedly.
“As the temperature continues to drop, especially if you have young kids, you can come on the early side,” Wu said. “There are places to duck into, like a library and Copley Mall and other places nearby. Some warming stations. And just please be prepared, bring layers, and if you are at all starting to feel like you’re getting too cold, we will have lots of personnel on site, first responders, and EMS. Reach out to anyone, and they’ll get you connected to medical support.”
Boston Police listed safety instructions for attendees, noting there will be a full complement of police officers working in plain clothes and uniforms.
“Please do not consume alcohol, drink and drive, smoke marijuana,” said Police Commissioner Michael Cox. “All are illegal and will be enforced, as well as use of fireworks. Please leave it to the professionals. Please do not fly drones in around the first night activities.”
EMS will also have additional personnel and ambulances around the city, officials said, encouraging people to come up to the medical staff for help.
“Some unnecessary trips to an emergency room can be avoided by some simple steps and common sense,” said EMS Chief James Hooley. “First of all, celebrate responsibly. If alcohol is going to be part of your plans, please drink in moderation. Pace yourself. Know your limits. Celebrating responsibility also means looking out for yourself and the people you’re with.”
Hooley encouraged people to have a “transportation plan,” whether it be rideshare or public transit. Residents should avoid driving, officials highlighted.
“We will have many blocking vehicles and street closures, so it’s really important to seek alternate modes of transportation,” Cox said.
The MBTA service on subway, bus, ferry and the Ride will be free after 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and the Commuter Rail will also be free on trains that arrive or depart North or South Station from 8 p.m. through the end of service.
The T subway will increase service after 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, while Commuter Rail, ferry, bus and the Ride will continue to run on a normal weekday schedule.
The MBTA staff reminded riders that alcohol consumption or unruly behavior will not be tolerated and urged people to report anything suspicious.
“Members of the public should feel free to approach any firefighter, police officer or EMT with questions, concerns or if assistance is needed,” said Fire Chief Paul Burke. “Remember that if you see something that concerns you, please say something to the nearest public safety official.”
“Between the ice sculptures and the music and the entertainment and the puppets, we really encourage everyone, come on down,” said Conventures President Dusty Rhodes. “It’s one night a year. You can bring your family and enjoy it so much.”
More information on the MBTA schedule can be found at mbta.com/holidays.
More information on First Night programming can be found at firstnightboston.org.
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