Free Republic

An artist who carried out the 2007 marketing stunt that prompted a massive citywide bomb scare — lambasted then by Mayor Thomas M. Menino — is now headlining the city’s First Night celebration. Peter “Zebbler” 
Berdovsky has been contracted by First Night Boston to stage a $50,000 electronic show that will be the centerpiece of the 2014 New Year’s celebration in Copley Square. But Menino’s office scoffed at the idea that Berdovsky might be a poor choice for a city-sponsored event so close to the scene and time of the deadly April 15 marathon bombing attacks.

My nine year-old daughter and I decided to attend Evanston's First Night New Year's Eve celebration. Evanston, IL is a very liberal town--it's the home of Northwestern University. Jan Schakowsky, one of the most liberal members of the House of Representatives, has lived in Evanston for many years. The Chicago suburb turns out huge Democratic majorities each election. Our first stop for First Night was the Evanston Public Library, where we bought our tickets to the fair. We encountered a table staffed with war protesters from Neighbors for Peace, there they are in the picture below. Visitors to the library...

Does your town or city have a First Night celebration? Mine does--Beverly, MA. Admittedly this year it's been cut back due to lack of volunteers--will "end" at 9:30--but I'm looking forward to it. Usually I work on New Year's Eve but I get it off this year and next. First Night started in Boston (and the "First Night" name is licensed through that organization) around the time of the Bicentennial as an "alcohol-free New Year's celebration" with arts, concerts, fun for the kids, etc. I live within walking distance of the events here... no worry about drunk drivers (though I'll...