By Jordan J. Phelan
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CLAREMONT — The Parks & Recreation Department and Claremont-Sugar River Rotary Club have announced plans for a First Night “tele-bration” to celebrate the new year amid the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.
“Everyone wants 2021 to get here ASAP,” said Claremont Parks & Recreation Department Director Mark Brislin. “In this challenging year, when we have to stay distanced even on New Year’s Eve, we’ll bring First Night directly to everyone via television and social media.”
Their collaboration has produced a “full evening of fun, family-friendly performances that folks can watch from the comfort of their homes on Claremont CCTV channel 8 or Facebook (TBA),” according to a press release issued on Tuesday, Dec. 22.
The Claremont-Sugar River Rotary Club has also named Annabelle Torres, a third grader at Maple Avenue School, as this year’s First Night Button design winner. First Night Buttons may be purchased for a $1 donation at Golden Cross Ambulance, Arrowhead Recreation Area and Claremont Savings Bank Community Center.
The New Year’s Eve activities will begin a 5 p.m. and will include the following:
Thursday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m.: Tour of Claremont’s holiday lights displays.
Thursday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m.: Claremont’s Off Broad Street Players will host ““Stories to Ring Out the Year!” which will be read aloud on CCTV in the tradition of the Night of a Thousand Stars.
Thursday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.: Troy and Ariana Wunderle will present Circus Wunder on CCTV.
Thursday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.: Magician Steven Charrette will host his award-winning magic show.
Thursday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.: Local musician Brooks Hubbard will perform on CCTV. Also, church bells throughout the city will ring for a full five minutes.
Thursday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.: A fireworks display will occur over the ski area at Arrowhead Recreation Area, which will also be televised live on CCTV, and on the City of Claremont Facebook page. Also, church bells throughout the city will ring for a full five minutes.
Thursday, Dec. 31, 11 p.m.: Church bells throughout the city will ring for a full two minutes.
Friday, Jan. 1, 12 a.m.: Church bells throughout the city will ring for a full two minutes.
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