San Luis Obispo Business
November, 1999

First Nighters to celebrate new century

Only six weeks remain in the twentieth century and revelers in San Luis Obispo are gearing up for the biggest New Year's Eve celebration to ever hit the Central Coast.

First Night San Luis Obispo 2000, a celebration of the new year through the arts, will transform the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo into an entertainment center on Friday, December 31.

Last year, thousands of people attended San Luis Obispo's inaugural First Night celebration. This year promises to be even bigger and better. "We were thrilled to see the community embrace First Night last year," commented First Night Executive Director Judith Bean. "The challenge, this year, was to plan an event that would top last year's and really knock people's socks off. We're pretty confident that, with what we've got planned, we'll do just that."

More than 200 local performers at 35 venues, musicians, magicians, dancers, puppeteers, storytellers, clowns, jugglers, and a spectacular fireworks show is what participants at this year's event can expect to see.

"Our area is so rich with artistic talent," remarked Bean. "It's wonderful to showcase local performers at an event that really pays tribute to the community and the aspects that make it so unique."

Entertainment at most of the venues, which are all alcohol-free, starts between 3-4 p.m. While the venues are all within walking distance, free transportation, courtesy of Ride-On Transportation, will be available for those who don't want to or aren't able to walk.

Most venues are indoors, however there will be a handful of outdoor locations, including two stages. The Main Stage, which will be at the corner of Chorro and Higuera Streets, will feature rock-n-roll throughout the night and swing dancing demonstrations in between performances. The other stage—the Finale Stage in the parking lot at the corner of Osos and Monterey Streets—is the place to be as the countdown to midnight begins.

Early birds and parents looking for activities geared towards children can head to Mission Plaza where, starting at 3 p.m., kids can make masks, see puppeteers, listen to a 13-year-old country western singer or write their New Year's resolutions on a giant star. And, the Library will feature storytelling and poetry and the Children's Museum will be offering free admission to anyone with a First Night button between 3-5 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m., a People's Procession, which anyone is welcome to join, will make its way from the steps of the County Courthouse to Mission Plaza. The walking Procession will include floats and is intended to add to the festive spirit.

All venues, except for the Finale Stage, will close-down at 11 p.m. At that time, participants will be encouraged to head to the Finale Stage where some of San Luis Obispo's finest musicians will get the crowd ready for the big countdown. Spectators will count down the final seconds of 1999 as the new Volny Heritage Clock (see sidebar) ticks down and plays Auld Lang Syne. The evening will be capped off with a sensational fireworks show behind the steps of the County Courthouse.

"While we'd love for everyone to stay until midnight and celebrate the new year with us," explained Bean, "we've tried to make it so that people can come down early and have a full experience without staying until the end." First Night Buttons, which allow unlimited access to each of the venues, can be purchased at the Chamber's Visitor Center. Buttons purchased before December 20 cost $7 each; those after December 20 cost $10 each.

For more information on First Night San Luis Obispo 2000, call the local office at (888) 546-4905.

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