No first night, but downtown Springfield businesses to be busy

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield no longer has a first night celebration, but restaurants in the city are still expected to be busy.

There's nothing over-the-top planned at the Student Prince on Fort Street, but the restaurant is expected to be packed.

And like many places, reservations there are going quickly, says manager Rudi Scherff.

"Usually, we're booked. Up right now, I've got some room,” Scherff said. "They used to have a First Night and things of this nature, and I know for my contemporaries, we're thrilled if we can stay up to see the ball drop in Times Square.”

Further north, businesses in Northampton are expecting to be very busy, as that city’s annual First Night celebration will be held next week, for the 28th year.