'First Night' Could Be Coming to Hellertown

Bethlehem may have given it the heave-ho, but First Night in the Lehigh Valley may be poised for a comeback...in Hellertown.

At Hellertown Borough Council's Feb. 7 meeting, former First Night Bethlehem director Gary Fiegel told council members he would like to see the family-friendly New Year's Eve party find a new home in the borough.

Fiegel, who said the organization of the festival would be undertaken by local churches and the Hellertown Historical Society, explained that he'd like the borough to "piggyback" off the publicity that was generated when Bethlehem abandoned its version of First Night for an alcohol-available New Year's eve celebration downtown.

"It's kind of the perfect timing to come over to Hellertown," he said.

First Night in Hellertown would be an opportunity for local churches to raise money by selling food and drinks to families who would be in town for activities and entertainment by musicians, magicians and comedians, Fiegel said.

Much of the talent showcased during the event would be local, and all of it would be "G-rated," he added.

Fiegel, who said he has a background in law enforcement, added that he would work closely with the Hellertown Police Department to ensure the event is safe and secure for all who attend.

"I think it's a really cool idea," council member Gail Nolf said, after listening to Fiegel's presentation.

The fact that Hellertown was chosen as the potential host community for such an event speaks volumes, she added.

Council member Stephanie Kovacs asked Fiegel why Bethlehem decided to abandon its First Night celebration last year, after sponsoring it annually since the late 1990s, when Fiegel was the director.

In his opinion, Fiegel responded, "we were too Mayberry-ish." 

Additionally, he said Bethlehem relied heavily on corporate sponsorships to support its First Night, and when the economy began to sour several years ago that financial support dried up.

"Why Hellertown?" Kovacs continued.

"Our churches really need some kind of support," Fiegel responded.

He added that, "We have a lot of seniors in our community [and] we have a lot of families in our community."

Hellertown hosting First Night on Dec. 31, 2011 "is doable," he emphasized. "I can see this lasting for years in Hellertown if we create a good solid foundation."

Council President Phil Weber recommended that Fiegel meet with Police Chief Robert Shupp and Borough Manager Cathy Kichline to discuss the details of his proposal and how they might impact borough services and staff.

"I think it really needs to come back with more detail before we really say yes," Weber said.

Fiegel said he expects to meet with staff and return to council with a more detailed presentation in April.