Columbus is rolling into the New Year with First Night, the city’s award-winning, family-friendly New Year’s Eve bash. There will be entertainment ranging from music to magic that is sure to please all ages. This alcohol-free event will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 and will continue until midnight.

This year’s theme, which is determined by the organization First Night International, is "Capture the Night." According to Mike Collins, President of Promotions One, the organization that runs the event locally, First Night has 100 New Year’s celebrations similar to the event in Columbus in various locations around the country and in Canada.

Despite the vast number of celebrations, Columbus has received awards from the First Night Organization. “Columbus has enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most successful First Nights over the last few years,” Collins says.

First Night offers 43 live performances in all and will take place throughout the downtown area. Musical guests include jazz, funk and ragtime artists. According to Collins, the variety and quality of the entertainment draws an older crowd to First Night Columbus.

The celebration definitely does not ignore its younger demographic, however, as it offers storytelling, hands-on activities and a children’s festival. The block party will include a Bubble Stomp, creation stations and fascination workshops. The YMCA will also have a Fitness Zone. Children under 5 years of age may take place in the festivities free of charge.

There will also be a Dance Teen Competition at 8 p.m. in the Wayne Brehm room in Veteran’s Memorial. The 12 contestants must be Ohio high school students (9th-12th grade) and will be selected based on demos submitted prior to the event. The winner will perform onstage in Genoa Park prior to the firework show. They will also win free studio recording time, a Nationwide Insurance gift basket, a free dinner coupon and admission button.

Other noteworthy buildings in the city will be hosting events throughout the evening. COSI will hold a “Science Street” exhibit and will have a DJ. The Rhodes Tower will host the Bob Evans Pancake Party; City Hall Plaza will host the Coca-Cola Block Party.

This year, Collins expects attendance to the event be on the high side. “We believe we’ll have more than 15,000 people attending,” he said. “Of course, if you can control Mother Nature that would help a great deal.”

Tickets in the form of buttons may be purchased in advance for $10 at Meijer, Fifth Third Bank, COSI, and Cord Camera or at www.firstnightcolumbus.com. They may also be purchased the day of the event for $12.

For more information visit the First Night Web site www.firstnightcolumbus.com.