Pocono News Section

Scranton First Night "Under The Big Top"

Scranton First Night "Under The Big Top" - Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 7:20PM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 @ 07:20pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - From magic to music to acrobats -- the city of Scranton will welcome in the New Year with plenty to please at its first night event. The Electric City's 11th annual First Night has a new host and several new attractions.

Hanging the First Night banner at First Night Headquarters in the Scranton Life Building. It's one of the last things on the "to do" list getting finished, Wednesday. Andrea Talarico and Sam Schiavone are the co-chairs of this year's Scranton First Night.

Schiavone chuckled, "It took a lot of work and it took a lot of... a couple hairs missing you know."

"Scranton Tomorrow" hosted First Night in the Electric City for a decade. But when the non-profit group bowed out, Schiavone and Talarico stepped up. Task one was coming up with a theme.

"Circus is big right now so we though "Scranton Under the Big Top", bring in a great circus act. Get some great visuals. It's great for t-shirts and merchandise," said Talarico.

"We have the Zany Umbrella Circus that's coming into the Mellow Theatre. That's our featured act. They've actually performed around the world. They're from Pittsburgh," said Schiavone.

There's homegrown talent, too, like "Bare Knuckle". The band's electric guitarist, Charlie Russello of Scranton, will be more than just a First Night spectator this year.

"I've been down here during First Night walking around and having fun, but never have been a participant and we're really pumped," said Russello.

The intersection of Linden and Washington will be one busy corner come New Year's Eve night. It's where you'll find a showmobile with some of the featured acts. And across the street at the parking garage is where you'll see the midnight fireworks display to welcome in 2010. All total, First Night Scranton will feature nearly 30-acts at roughly two dozen venues -- making it virtually weather proof.

"A lot of our stuff is indoors. We do have some stuff outdoors," said Schiavone. "We also have shuttle buses to take you from venue to venue."

"It's going to be a really fantastic year," said Talarico. "I'm excited for it."

An estimated 4,000 to 6,000 people are expected to attend Scranton First Night. It's free of charge for senior citizens and kids 5 and under. For everyone else, admittance buttons cost $12.