The “power reader” is one of the “giants” made by local artist Michael Magyar that are the theme of this year’s Sandwich First Night.
SANDWICH – Organizers are gearing up for a huge celebration in Sandwich to mark the end of the year and the beginning of 2015. Some surprises are in store for visitors to the event, including glow-in-the-dark bocce and an extra special parade marking the end of the event.
First Night Sandwich, “ Town of Giants” New Year’s Eve celebration is being held on Wednesday, December 31, in Sandwich Village.
This non-alcoholic family friendly community celebration of music, art and dance is open to all, from 4 to 9 PM.
There will be ice sculptures, jazz, blues, storytelling, country music at various venues located throughout the village.
The Resolution Wall where people can write their New Year’s resolutions, for all to see- will be back this year on the park located adjacent to the Sandwich Town Hall.
First Night Sandwich Buttons, $10 adults, and $6 children from 3 to 12 years-old will be available for purchase at the Town Hall, beginning at 3 PM on Wednesday, December 31. Buttons will be at the following local merchants until noon Wednesday, December 31: Dan’l Webster Inn, Beth’s Café & Bakery, Chew Cafe, Splash, Pilot House, Cape Cod 5, Stop & Shop on Rte. 6a and Quaker Meeting House Road, Canterbury Liquors, Momos, East Sandwich, and Sandwich Public Library.
Buttons are required at all indoor venues and some outdoor venues such as the ice skating rink and the Glow in the Dark Bocce Ball court.
A listing of all musical presentations and live performances and their venues located in Sandwich Village is located online at www.firstnightsandwich.com. Look for the brightly colored ‘Schedule of Music, Arts, & Cultural Events for First Night Sandwich’ along with a map & venue information.
The Glow in the Dark Bocce Ball activity is located on the Sandwich Library Lawn. When First Night Sandwich approached the Sandwich High School Key Club and asked if the club could come up with an outdoor activity to add to the celebration, they were intrigued and excited about the thought of doing something outside the box, according to First Night organizers.
“It is fitting that the oldest game known to mankind, dating back to 5000 BC, should be the game of choice when the oldest town on the Cape celebrates the New Year,” Judith Selleck, First Night spokeswoman said.
Enjoyed by children and adults alike, bocce is a game where four people each take turns tossing their two colored bocce balls at another target ball, while trying to knock their opponent’s ball out of the way.
Many Key Club members will be on hand to manage the ‘Glow in the Dark Bocce’ court along with the club’s officers, Katie Hurley (President), Casey Powell (Vice President), Jess Langley (Treasurer), Megan Reardon (Secretary), Orna Lynch (PR Secretary) and Anna Hurley (Activities Director), along with the club advisor, Maureen Wiklund. The
The Revelers Parade will form at the Wing School, at 8 PM. It will wind down Main Street and conclude around 8:45 PM in front of the First Church.
Massachusetts State Rep. Randy Hunt will take the podium to conclude the evening events.
The Grand Finale includes the lighting of the giant Lighthouse on the edge of Shawme Pond, a musical presentation by Hannah Carrita, recent star of “Our Town,” and other local theatrical productions.
There is parking in various locations in Sandwich, including the Wing School.
