firstnighttalbot.net
Easton, MD - This will be the 29th consecutive year for First Night Talbot to present this Celebration of the Arts, based upon the original First Night held in Boston in 1974. First Night Talbot follows that original aim – an alcohol and drug-free new family tradition to welcome the New Year. The event has been the only First Night celebration in the state of Maryland for a number of years and we are excited to ring in the New Year on December 31, live and in-person, in downtown Easton, MD.
There will be family-friendly performances throughout the evening in five indoor venues in downtown Easton: The Avalon main stage, Stoltz Room, Town Hall, the Waterfowl building, and Academy Art Museum. Outside the Waterfowl Building, on South Harrison Street, will be the site of two Maryland Crab Drops. The early Crab Drop takes place at 9 p.m. for early birds, and then we ring in the New Year with a traditional countdown at midnight.
Enjoy music of all varieties between 6 p.m. and midnight: folk, jazz and gospel, choral, and the youth from Mike Elzey’s Guitar Studio. Also featured: Mid Shore Dance Academy; Eric Henning, Magician performing for young families as well as the adults; a very unique form of puppetry (a big surprise announcement coming soon!), and breaking news of a local movie to be filmed next year in this area.
Cherished favorites return to the Waterfowl venue: face painting, family activities, photo booth, and crafts. Cascading Carlos juggles and teaches kids how to spin plates and become the next world-record breaking performer. Carlos will even juggle with fire outside near the crab drop – if weather cooperates. Danielle’s Pit Stop food truck will be available nearby for a quick bite and refreshments.
Highlighting the closing of the young families’ portion of the evening, the Maryland Crab Drop includes a Parade of Sea Creatures. Celebrate Midnight in the Mid-Atlantic with fish hats and aquatic puppets, fun for ages 1-100. Everyone’s favorite bagpiper, Randy Welch, will lead the fish-themed parade. There is always plenty of time left for photo ops of happy faces in front of the world-famous Crab. (Academy Art Museum, Waterfowl & Town Hall will close at 9pm)
Easton Economic Development Corporation continues adult programming from 9:30 – 11:45 p.m. with two very special musical performances on the Avalon stage. The first hour features the Karen Somerville Quintet – a wonderful mix of “her vocal stylings that range from angelic tones to soul stirring gospel, and moody blues.” The last hour will find the stage filled with an amazing “Scandinavian Celebration” –an incredible way to welcome the New Year.
The complete list of performances by time and venue will be published by mid-December. Admission into every event venue for the entire evening can be made by purchasing an artful, collectible “Crab Button” for $10/adult, $5/student (through college), and children under 5 are free. Buttons will be available for purchase in advance in early December. Visit FirstNightTalbot.net to learn more as we get closer to the event date. Follow us on Facebook @FirstNightTalbot for the latest updates and button sales information.
First Night Talbot has been very generously supported by the Town of Easton and Easton Utilities Commission for many years, and now we are pleased to partner with Easton Economic Development Corporation to strengthen and secure the continuation of this unique community, family-friendly event far into the future!
