×

First Night Saranac Lake postponed until next year

Ruth Ungar and Mike Merenda of The Mammals perform at First Night Saranac Lake on Dec. 31, 2019. (Provided photo — First Night Saranac Lake)

SARANAC LAKE — For the first time in 15 years, there will be no First Night celebration to ring in the new year in Saranac Lake, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The board of First Night Saranac Lake has been deliberating since spring when the pandemic began, weighing options for the annual all-ages New Year’s Eve event. At a meeting July 22, the board came to a regrettable but unanimous consensus that there is no safe and desirable alternative for holding the event, and that it is therefore necessary to cancel this year’s event.

“This New Years Eve won’t be the same without First Night, but we look forward to the best one yet in 2021,” board Chair Susan Patterson said.

The performers who had already been booked for this year have been invited to perform at next year’s First Night on Dec. 31, 2021.

Since 2006, First Night Saranac Lake has been ringing in each new year with an alcohol-free celebration of the arts in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. It typically features 16 to 20 performers at eight to 10 venues, mostly within easy walking distance from each other in downtown Saranac Lake. The event goes from 6 p.m. to midnight, ending with fireworks. Performers include kids acts, comedy and a wide range of music.

For more information, visit http://FirstNightSaranacLake.org. First Night Saranac Lake is on Instagram at @firstnight_saranaclake and Facebook at FirstNightSL.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.75/week.

Subscribe Today