No First Night Fredericksburg This New Year's

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — As area residents are putting their final plans together for New Year’s Eve, here’s an important reminder: First Night Fredericksburg is taking the year off.

Organizers announced the news in October after recognizing challenges with the Riverfront Park location.

“With the continuing restricted activity around the former Masonic Lodge, it’s just not possible to have enough land area to hold the diverse variety of activities in a manner that provides adequate separation and safety,” according to the message from organizers.

See other New Year’s events in Fredericksubrg at visitfred.com.

The First Night event would have also disrupted a neighboring prayer service by Shiloh Baptist Church

“It’s important to be good neighbors,” said City Manager Beverly Cameron said in October. “While we don’t want to suspend the event, we can’t proceed this year without compromising the church’s ability to enjoy a peaceful and solemn religious service.”

The First Night event will likely be back to welcome 2017.