First Night Buffalo has been a New Year’s tradition for over 30 years. And this year, organizers plan on giving Western New Yorkers the same entertainment value from the comfort of their own home.
Independent Health Foundation Executive Director Carrie Meyer described the tradition of First Night Buffalo.
“This tradition that has worked generation over generation,” she said. “And we try to be a little different every time, but then also come up with some new and exciting things so that it’s different when the kids and the families and the parents come out.”
For 31 years, the event offered families a safe environment with magic, music and other forms of entertainment to ring in the New Year. Previously, the event was hosted at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
But due to the pandemic, this year is a little different. With COVID restrictions in place for New Year’s Eve, including a remote viewing of the ball drop in the City of Buffalo, Meyer said providing an escape, even virtually, is of the utmost importance.
“And now, more than ever, I think families are looking for places for their kids to engage in things because they’re caught and stuck in their homes and their looking for some fun outlets to experience,” she said.
The Independent Health Foundation is selling party packs for entrance to the event at 15 Tops Friendly Markets locations, with surprise gift certificates in random packs. For more info on how to acquire the party packs head over to firstnightbuffalo.org.
