Behind the Scenes at First Night

Imagine hosting a party that lasts seven hours. Now add more than 1500 guests, dozens of performers, and the uncertainty of winter weather. That's one way to look at First Night, which is not only a celebration of community, but a labor of love for Connie Cosgrove and her team of volunteers.

According to Cosgrove, who, with her husband Wes, greeted patrons at the door, some 50 volunteers were on site during the First Night events at Columbia High School on Thursdays. Their duties ranged from ushering patrons to their seats in the auditorium, to hanging helpful signs leading to bathrooms, to selling and serving sandwiches. CHS senior Venessa Akunna was credited with hanging many of the decorative signs that led to activities. 

Board members' responsibilities started months earlier, and included planning and fund-raising, as well. Board member Steven Hollow both designed the distinctive yellow posters that appeared around the community and sliced sandwiches. 

The earliest-arriving patrons were the younger set, many in strollers and dressed in party attire. The evening's first performance was Ballet Long Island's rendition of "The Little Mermaid," which drew a large family crowd. 

By the time the ballet concluded, face painting was underway, food provided by Whole Foods was selling briskly in the cafeteria, and beading had begun. Mask-making, staffed by CHS students Jaclyn Gross and Caroline Falchier, was a popular activity.

Sixth grader William Hall is both a veteran volunteer and an experienced patron. During this, his third First Night, Hall was charged with helping serve food. "I like selling food and selling other stuff," said Hall, who assisted his father, Tom Hall. William Hall also noted, "I'm looking forward to the dog circus," the Muttville Comix rescue dogs, a popular, first-come, first-served event.

Rita Miller is a self-described "old timer" First Night volunteer, who wore a t-shirt from a past year's event. She normally decorates the venue, and returned this year to usher, as well. She noted the banners that filled CHS's main hallway represented past years' First Night posters and themes. 

Lisa Klein, who brought her preschool daughter and a friend to First Night, considered the evening an "excellent value." Klein bought her tickets in advance via Paypal for $11 each. "Online buying is a real convenience," she reported. She planned to meet friends at the high school later in the evening for more adult fare. Klein was able to show proof of purchase on her phone, which she described as "simple, foolproof."

CHS staff and security contributed to the evening as well, from setup, through cleanup, and -- important on a chilly night -- salting the walks around the building. "We need to get everyone home in one piece," said Martin, pushing a stroller through the parking lot after the ballet. "They, everyone in there and out here, did a great job."