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Organizers Gearing Up For First Night Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - People are just getting back to work after Thanksgiving, Hanukkah starts in less than a week and it's three weeks until Christmas. But, the focus in the Cultural District is on the entertainment for First Night Pittsburgh.

"We are lucky in Pittsburgh to have such a rich base of artistic talent," says Darcy Kucenic of First Night Pittsburgh. "We do pull some national acts in, but a lot of our programming is from right here in the city."

One of the big draws this year is a combination of both. Adam Brock sky-rocketed to fame as a finalist on American Idol. The young man from Washington County will be back home as one of the featured performers.

Promoted as the largest single day celebration in the region, First Night will feature more than one hundred acts performing in more than 50 locations throughout the Cultural District.

Kevin McMahon with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is very glad the event continues.

"The Cultural Trust would probably have to invent First Night if we didn't already have First Night because we want to bring the community into the cultural district. It's for everybody," he says. "It is not just for old people. It's not just for young people, it's for everybody."

First Night Pittsburgh is one of 75 nation-wide community based New Year's Eve celebrations designed to be family friendly. No need to worry if the little ones can't make it to midnight. The kid's stage opens right after the opening ceremonies at 6:00 p.m. complete with fireworks.

Highmark, Inc. is back as the title sponsor once again.

Dan Onorato, Vice President of Highmark says, "We have corporations that want to sponsor it and be part of it. The idea of having families downtown on New Year's Eve. That's the best part of downtown Pittsburgh. We are promoting downtown living, downtown commercial district, downtown retail. We want people here. We want them to have fun."

Whether it's comedy, drama, dance or music you prefer, First Night Pittsburgh promises something for everyone.

Buttons are on sale now. They are $8.00 in advance or $10.00 on New Year's Eve.

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