New Year's Eve party puts the families first - MARTINEZ - Event offers alcohol-free environment with entertainers, music and 'Mardi-Gras' style parade

Organizers of Martinez' First Night celebration want to kick off the New Year right this coming year by recognizing it on Dec. 31.

The last First Night celebration was held Jan. 28 after heavy storms and flooding postponed the otherwise rain-or-shine event. It ended up marking the Chinese New Year.

This time around, the new year is expected to ring in with a slight chance of rain, ensuring the show will go on. As many as 8,000 people are expected to attend the alcohol-free, family friendly celebration.

"It can get pretty crowded when the weather's good," said Leanne Peterson, the event's head organizer.

Started in 1999, First Night Martinez is one of more than 130 First Nights held worldwide. About 150 people volunteer for the event produced by eight volunteer board members. Money is raised every year through ticket sales and sponsors, including the Contra Costa Times.

The Martinez event is one of the only family-friendly New Year's Eve events available in the county; that's its big draw, say organizers and participants.

"I think the attraction is that it's something the whole family can do -- parents can come with the kids and the kids can come by themselves," Peterson said. "This is a safe, fun, family, community event that everyone is welcome to."

It's also good for downtown business.

"It brings people in," said Norma Bator, a dealer at Alley Cats antique shop. The traditional bluegrass band Spinning Wheel will perform in front of the shop. "I think it's something that people look forward to annually."

This year's event will kick off with a people procession, a "Mardi-Gras" style parade that anyone can join. Staging begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 525 Henrietta St.

Live entertainment will be featured along stages throughout downtown. Acts include New Orleans-influenced performer Tom Rigney and Flambeau; the Company C Ballet; and Marcus Raymond, who mixes comedy, extraordinary escapes, and amazing juggling feats, among other performers.

There's also a community stage, featuring local talent and bands from Diablo Valley College's Rock, Rhythm and Blues Class and other kid-friendly activities planned.

"I think Martinez is getting to be known as a place for families," said Vice Mayor Janet Kennedy. "And it's practically free, so that's another thing.

"If you want to bring a family down here, you're not mortgaging a house to have a good time and I think that's really important, too."