First Night 2013 Buttons Provide All Access

Families who plan on heading to First Night 2013 tonight in downtown Portsmouth and purchased their First Night buttons will have complete access to a slew of great entertainment at several city venues until the clock strikes midnight.

According to the Pro Portsmouth web site, adults were able to purchase First Night 2013 buttons for $20 from Dec. 27 to Dec. 30 and same day buttons costs $25. Buttons for children 12 years and younger cost $2. But what they will be able to see and enjoy in exchange for the button fees that support Pro Portsmouth and help cover the cost of First Night 2013 is just amazing.

For example, Portsmouth Community Radio will be hosting street dancing in Pleasant Street from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight. Just around the corner, families will be able to watch the First Night 2013 ice sculptures take shape from 1 p.m. on in front of the North Church until they are completed by 5 p.m.

At 7:30 p.m., Pro Portsmouth will help First Night 2013 patrons ring in the new year a little earlier with a dazzling fireworks display over South Mill Pond. Inside several downtown venues, First Night 2013 patrons will be able to escape the cold and enjoy plenty of magic, live music and performances.

For instance, at the new Connie Bean Recreation Center on Parrott Avenue, First Night 2013 goers can enjoy everything from watching the Battle of the Bands from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. to face painting, caricatures and "Abracadabra!" magic with Phil Smith.

At the Middle Street Baptist Church Hall, Acheson and Old Saw will be performing several shows throughout the evening. Over at the North Church, T.J. Wheeler and Company will perform some blues after Sammie Haynes performs some children's music.

Over at the South Church on State Street, First Night 2013 patrons can warm up with a chili dinner and cookoff from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and enjoy live musical performances by Rock My Soul, Salt River and Wooden Eye.

These are just a few of the fun things that will be happening during Pro Portsmouth's First Night 2013. Portsmouth Police also released their traffic and parking plan for the event. Regardless of what families choose to do during First Night 2013, downtown Portsmouth is always the place to be to ring in the new year.