First Night Alexandria 2008

A family friendly alternative to ringing in the new year, the 2008 First Night Alexandria lacked the particular New Year’s Eve element of a group countdown. Even if the strong winds hadn’t cancelled the fireworks, the several people wearing Happy New Year 2009! tiaras didn’t compensate for the New Year’s spirit.
The venues are scattered so it’s best to prioritize which performers you’d like to see because you lose time traveling between far-​flung venues. From several parents, I overheard complaints about the free shuttles but a message on the First Night Alexandria website says they’re working to resolve that issue, as well as parking garage fees. My friends and I chose to stay in one general area, so we missed our chance to see the didjeridu at the American Red Cross. We did enjoy the Folsom Prisoners at the train station. Then, we walked up to the Masonic Hall to see the Wayward Players and the Virginia Bronze handbell ensemble.
This event seems best for people who want to spend New Year’s Eve watching small cultural performances or families with active children. There were at least three venues with face painting, clowns making balloon animals, and moon bounces.