First Night 2013 Logo Unveiled

Pro Portsmouth Executive Director Barbara Massar said her group had more than 50 submissions that came from as far away as Texas and Norway that hoped to be chosen for the First Night 2013 logo.

On Monday night, the design created by Caroline Vibbert of Portsmouth, who created the winning 2012 Market Square design in June, was selected for the city's annual New Year's Eve celebration.

Massar said Tom Clark of Dover won second place in the logo design competition and Jessica Packer os Somersworth won third place. Massar said Vibbert's design "will grace all of our buttons, sweatshirts and the web site."

Massar also unveiled a new Pro Portsmouth marketing brochure that was designed by Hawthorne Publications of Portsmouth and printed by Infinate Imaging also of Portsmouth.

“The brochure gives folks a concise overview of who we are, what we do and how we impact the region,” Massar stated. Long-time supporter, Infinite Imaging, generously donated its printing services. “ We’ve worked with Bill Hurley and his team for at least a decade, but now when we need to meet or talk, I simply walk across the parking lot since we’re neighbors.”

Citizens Bank of Portsmouth has also signed on as Pro Portsmouth's programming partner for 2012 and 2013, Massar said.

Massar said Portsmouth has had a First Night New Year's Eve celebration since 1986 and is one of just two New Hampshire communities that continues to do such an event each year. She said it requires financial support as well as volunteers and this year is no different.

Additional Corporate Sponsors and Underwriters are also being sought to support the event as well as the annual program of events, she said. Including the cost of fireworks, ice sculpture and performances the organization needs to raise nearly $40,000, Massar added.

“Over the years, First Night® Portsmouth has become another destination event on the Seacoast,” said Massar. “We are able to attract and entertain not only our friends and neighbors, but people who travel from all over the country to spend the holidays with us, enjoy great music, restaurants and hotels. But in order to keep the event on the calendar, we need everyone’s support.”

Right now, Massar said Pro Portsmouth is looking for about 100 volunteers to work on First Night 2013 on Dec. 31. She said people who are interested can log onto the Pro Portsmouth web site and sign up.