First Night 2023 In Portsmouth Will Kick Start 400th Anniversary Festivities

PORTSMOUTH, NH — Pro Portsmouth has unveiled its First Night 2023 Portsmouth logo for the event, which will celebrate the city’s 400th anniversary.

The logo, created by Carolyn Vibbert, was unveiled on Thursday. Kelly Danner earned second place, while Addie Sargent earned third in the logo contest. The artists were asked to incorporate the anniversary into their logo submissions.

Vibbert’s design will be featured online, on merchandise, and at the event, with the help of Blue Dolphin Screenprint & Embroidery. Orders can be made online and sent out or available for pickup in December.

The organization is also looking for sponsors, donors, and underwriters to offset the cost of the event. Barbara Massar, the executive director of the organization, said $20,000 was needed to pay for fireworks, the ice sculpture, and police and safety details.

“Over the years, First Night Portsmouth has become another destination event on the Seacoast,” she said. “We are able to attract and entertain not only our friends and neighbors, but people who travel from all over the country to spend the holidays with us, enjoy the city. But in order to keep the event on the calendar, we need everyone’s support.”

Massar said the event was vital to the continued success enjoyed by Portsmouth as a destination for family, friends, and neighbors — “from down the street and around the world.”

For more information on First Night and all Pro Portsmouth, Inc. events, visit proportsmouth.org or call 603-433-4398 Ext. 3.

Got a news tip? Send it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel.