Northampton set for First Night 2013

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Every year, people from around western Massachusetts flock to the center of Northampton to ring in the new year.

It's an all-day celebration in Northampton's downtown that culminates with the raising of a ball atop the Hotel Northampton.

Every year for the past 28 years, downtown Northampton has transformed into the Times Square of western Massachusetts, welcoming crowds of people from around the Pioneer Valley and beyond for a day filled with fun, music, and entertainment.

Monday's party kicks off at Noon with the First Night Circus at the Center for the Arts followed by a parade through the city streets at 1:00PM.

In fact, all day long there's something to do; dozens of entertainment acts are booked.

Some of the highlights include fireworks at 6:15PM from atop one of the parking garages. You can get into all the events that First Night has to offer as long as you have button. You can get the button at the box office on the 2nd floor of Thornes Marketplace for $20.

Though the mood in town is festive, there is concern that this could be the last, First Night the city of Northampton will see. The Center for the Arts has announced this will be their last year sponsoring the event.

First Night Director Penney Burke told 22News that she's hoping another sponsor will keep the event going into 2014.