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First Night Springfield is No More

City of Springfield

Those who’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve with First Night Springfield will have to find a new way to ring in the new year this December.

The Springfield Regional Arts Council says it won’t produce the event this year for the first time in 25 years.

The non-alcoholic, family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration included performers, crafts and fireworks.

In a news release, the arts organization says attendance at First Night has steadily decreased over the last several years, programming costs increased and recruiting venues, performers and volunteers became more difficult.

According to SRAC, First Night was initially established to help jump-start the arts scene in downtown Springfield.  They say, while the work of promoting the arts isn’t finished, First Night has played its role in making the community vibrant.

They said the announcement was made early in case another organization would like to host a similar event for the community.

If you’d like to share ideas for future events, take an SRAC survey here.

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.