Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - As we near the start of a new year, Independent Health announced the First Night Family Party Packs are back again this year for purchase at Tops Friendly Markets, with all the gear needed to celebrate the New Year. In addition, the entertainment lineup for the free, virtual First Night New Year's Eve celebration are locked in as well.
"I'm so happy to announce our 35th anniversary for the First Night Buffalo. We're doing this in partnership with Oishei Children's Hospital, and it will be taking place again on December 31st," said Carrie Meyer, Executive Director of the Independent Health Foundation.
"As we continue to work to serve families throughout Western New York, to meet people where they are at, we're proud to be able to offer another free online event to usher in the new year. We've heard from 1000s of families who love being able to take part in this family friendly event on New Year's Eve from the comfort of their own homes. This year, we are thrilled to share once again we have another great lineup."
You can click here to watch the online celebration on Dec. 31. There will be hours of shows and music for Western New Yorkers to enjoy, which include:
- Jeff Musial – Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics
Jeff and his exotic animals are back again! Tune in to peek into Jeff's wild world including interesting facts you won't forget!
- Dance Party with DJ Milk
Grab those LED glow wands and plug in that disco spotlight! Get moving with DJ Milk as he plays your favorite tunes.
- Buffalo Zoo
We are going behind the scenes to see some of our favorite animals to learn more about how they eat, sleep, and play.
- Magic with Nick Mambretti
Nick is here with his Super Hilarious Magic Show! Get ready to laugh and be amazed.
- Face Paint NY
Get your stencil ready as you learn some amazing face paint designs.
- Adam Kreutinger: The Puppet Nerd
Make your very own puppet with just a few everyday items. Find your inner artist as you create fantastic drawings.
- Devi Bollywood Performing Arts
Devi Bollywood is here to celebrate expression through cultural dance.
- Royal Receptions
Your favorite super brothers are here! Follow along to power up with some moves to save the kingdom!
- Tiley Strozewski
Featured in the Netflix hit show "Dance 100," Tiley will teach us some new dance moves.
Over 98,000 Western New Yorkers watched the program last year on Facebook and the First Night Buffalo Team are expecting even bigger numbers this year and more Party Pack boxes sold and available to you at your local Tops Supermarket for $25 a box.
The Party Pack features everything you need to bring in the New Year with pizzazz including items that you can use as you watch the show from home!
The amazing Party Pack items this year include a disco light bulb, face paint, confetti poppers, fiber optic light up wands, healthy food recipes, items to make your own puppets during the puppet show and passes to the Buffalo Zoo.
New this year, a portion of the sales will be given to Oishei Children's Hospital.
"The free online entertainment lineup is engaging, it's fun, and most importantly, it provides a safe and enjoyable way for families to celebrate New Year's Eve without worrying about barriers, including travel costs and expenses," said Andrew Bennett, Chief Development Officer of Oishei Children's Hospital.
"This party pack and the new format has made a huge difference at the hospital. Many of the kids there will not get to have a traditional New Year's celebration or their parents. So this has been really, really beneficial to have available to them on New Year's Eve and even the days leading up to it."