First Night

Cheryl Capezzuti’s giant puppets star in this New Year’s Eve tradition. Look for her latest creations, the Light Sprites, leading the parade. This year you will see all kinds of glowing spectacles as the parade explores the theme of LIGHT, with special help from lighting designer Andy Ostrowski.

This parade also features the work of Art Car artists Matt Marino, Kirsten Ervin, Tosha Brown, Gabe Felice and Albert Pantone. Dance in the streets to the music of Timbeleza, The Steelers Drum Line, The Oakland Catholic Step Team, Perry High School Marching Band, The Bundt Cake Bunch and more! The parade will also include Green Gears Pedicabs, Fire Swords, Umbrella Jellyfish by Krystyna Thomas, The MGR Foundation with kids from PPS Arsenal and PPS Manchester, Boy Scout Pack #257, and Falk Laboratory School!

YOU can be in the parade, too, if you arrive at 7:30 p.m. on 10th street under the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Our crew will be on hand to help you find a puppet to carry in our artist-made, community-driven celebration.

Special thanks to Kellee Van Aken, Capezzuti’s creative collaborator, to project assistants Kristen Barca and Annie Harder who work behind the scenes and to all the volunteers who make the parade a success.