Longtime Northampton First Night Sponsor Leaving

The future is in question for First Night Northampton, the annual year end arts and music celebration that draws thousands of families to the city’s downtown on the last day of the year.  WAMC”s Paul Tuthill reports.

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After 28 years, this will be the last First  Night  produced by the Northampton Center For The Arts.  Director Penny Burke says the almost year round effort required to secure venues and performers has become too all consuming for the small non profit organization.

A meeting will be held in January with city officials, arts groups and business organization  to discuss the future of one of Northampton’s signature events.  This year’s First Night, which features more than 70  performers at 20 venues, begins Monday  at 1  with a family parade through downtown.