New Year's eve in Baristaville was a nasty night to be roaming the streets - snow, ice, and bitter cold. The harsh weather, however, didn't deter the crowds for First Night 2009. This year, every indoor entertainment venue was jam packed, according to event organizer, Eileen Sheehan. "Milling about was not an option," says Sheehan.
"We saw higher attendance at all General Admission events than in previous years. Plus, we had great acts like Bubblemania, Big Apple Circus, and the surprise was La Propia Banda - a Gypsy Kings style band that had everyone in the room up and dancing," says Sheehan. Revelers also crowded the popular food court for a taste of Montclair's good eats.
Preliminary numbers for the evening are in - there were 4,110 in attendance this year, compared to 5,000 in 2008. Revenues of $168,000 (grant monies, ticket sales, sponsorships, town contribution) exceeded direct expenses of about $152,000. The township's website has its own slide show of the event.
Comments (27)
Down nearly 20% and it was a success? By that logic my 401K did fantastic last year.
Anyone see Little Feet? Wondering what the reaction was. I personally thought it was a horrible choice, and didn't go, but taste of course varies. As opposed to the world's greatest Beatles' cover band, which was full of families singing along to Hear Comes the Sun, can't imagine even in Montclair there was anywhere near as much demand for Little Feet.
As the owner of Little Feet, I have a lot of problem finding shoes. As for Little Feat, well, they used to be good anyway.
Not to fear the "indirect" expenses were picked up by the taxpayer...
Little Feat was sold out!
OK, sold out. Did you have to buy an extra ticket or was it included?
And didn't the Fab Faux do two or three shows?
Little Feat probably wowed the folks who attended. I'd be surprised if anyone who saw them didn't enjoy the show. Not only are they top musicians but they are also great entertainers. Seeing Fred Tackett switch from blistering guitar to jazz trumpet is a real treat.
I am sure they are great musicians and am sure they put on a great show. My only comment is that from a marketing perspective I thought it was a weak choice. If I was on the board considering who the headliner would be I would not have argue in favor.
I know that they canceled the fireworks due to wind, but does anyone know if the town plans to have a rain (wind) date for them?
So who are they gonna get next year?
I think they should get Vampire Weekend. They're starting to get hot and could pop. Best to line them up now.
Your 401(k) was only down 20 percent last year? Wow!
It is very heartening to see a community event like this be successful in Montclair. Many First Night celebrations in other area communities have not done as well and some towns have given up on them. Thanks to the township employees and volunteers who worked so hard on this year's program. It was great.
Vampire Weekend has already "popped" MB - on many best of 08 lists & a darn good disk BTW. Word is their next is even better. Good luck getting them for FN.
I sure wish I knew who this ROC person was. Doesn't miss a thing! Indirect expenses indeed.
Just think of the help you could give the Township ROC! Write me back channel and we'll solve all the Town's problems!
Right now I'm trying to move to extensive use of financial models for the town, as well as multi year forecasts. Believe it or not all these things we take for granted in the corporate world are rare in the municipal world!
Cary Africk
cut the crap..first night was great..little feat was great..the mime was great..if you morons who constantly run things down spent half your time coming up with constructive ideas (of course, that would mean volunteering your valuable time), good stuff could happen. Spent many a day volunteering in my kids schools and coaching their teams. Best days of my life, and I can live with the decisions of those who show up to get in the game!!!
Good one lee.
Good one lee.
"volunteering your valuable time"
And, well, in this case our valuable tax dollars which "get in the game" a little too often in these parts. Pardon us if we might have an opinion about that.
no one's disputing the almighty tax dollar
why i'll bet a nickel you have more nickels than i do..but next time you want to rant..tell us what you'd do...and why that would be better...quick the fox news channel's just coming back from commercial...
FYI - I believe adding in the sponsorships, and money by selling tickets, this didn't end up costing the town a dime, I mean nickle.
And you could look for a show on Tv - 34 soon of First Night..I went around with Sharon C., and did some interviews, and caught a few performances too.
And, please note the new time for the show listed below - Tues., Thurs., Sat., Sun. now at 8:30pm.
Hi to all...Join me as I walk around town visiting our neighbors.
The current episode of Inside Montclair features the following
segments - We continue with our Holiday Dining in Montclair series,
with a visit first to Church Street Kitchen, where Chef Joe prepares
a uniques Elks cutlet entree ( part of their special Game
menu )...we then move on to Gencarelli's Cucina & Desert
Lounge,seeing their Chef Joe, prepare a culinary treat.
The show ends with a chat with Dr.Natasha Mathias, from Sparkles
Dentistry for children, with important info about your child's
dental care.
We also have Holiday Greetings from our neighbors thru out the show.
Air time schedule ( note change ) Tues. Thurs. Sat. Sun.- 8:30pm.
To see past segments of Inside Montclair, go to Youtube, type in
Inside Montclair in the video search..and a few will pop up.
I would like to thank all those that support the production of
independently produced shows..and to wish all a very Happy & Safe
New Year.
Celebrating over 11 years airing on Tv - 34.
Wayne Robbins producer / Host
Oh, I believe it, Cary. I believe it.
By the way, in case you didn't know it, ROC is actually David Grill. This has been common knowledge for quite some time now. Or was it Ed Remson? I forget. Anyway, he's a little old Irish man whose wife is on the BOE.
wait, which is it i don't have a lot of? nickels..or nickles?
gee lee...I'm sorry for the "nickels" mistake...please forgive me.
Wayne,
The township paid 400,000 nickles for first night.
http://www.montclairtimes.com/NC/0/215.html
and that does not included (I believe) harder to calculate items like, police hours planing time, etc...
"Those street car conductors, they really pick up the nickels"
Little Rascals
no big wayne, i'm a fan..like half of this town, i work in the media..you get "it" as far i'm concerned. so in your honor it's NICKLES from now on!
A Belated Disclaimer to Walleroo:
I am most definately NOT ROC. I'm actually VLOC. I am not Irish. Old is relative. I am not as little as I would like. My wife is on the BoE. And once again, the terminally ill-informed post absolute nonsense with absolute certainty.
David Grill