Hours before First Night celebrations, downtown Saratoga Springs was busy making last-minute preparations for the year-end event that draws thousands.
It’s the 20th anniversary of First Night Saratoga and hours before the 5K race kickoff, the Spa City was buzzing with activity.
Inside the Saratoga Springs City Center, where headliner NRBQ will perform for hundreds of revelers, City Center Sales Manager Andi Gardner was preparing for the big night.
“There are three separate rooms. We have the rooms set several days in advance and the tech company has been here for a couple of days setting the sound.”
The City Center will be rotating bands on three separate stages tonight. There’s room for 1,300 fans at the main stage alone.
Across town on Phila Street, it’s much quieter at Caffe Lena. Executive Director Sarah Craig was the only person inside the small music venue, but it doesn’t mean they won’t be busy tonight. Six bands will perform here tonight until the fireworks at midnight.
“It’ll be full. It’ll be a full house for every single show. It always is. There’s usually a line that stretches down the block a ways of people that want to come in.”
First Night is organized again this year by Saratoga Arts. Craig said she appreciates how the event has grown and changed over the years.
“It has evolved over the years with the programming getting more diverse and sophisticated and eveyr year there’s something a little different to try and some old favorites coming back. So it’s a very well organized, well run event.”
More than 15,000 revelers are expected downtown.
The Saratoga Springs Police Department has been preparing for tonight for months, says Lieutenant Bob Jilsson.
“We open lines of communication with the event organizers well before this day. It starts when the sun is still shining and the horses are still running. And after this event we’ll start planning for next year’s event,” said Jilsson.
Jilsson said with the fireworks and events spread throughout the city, he’s asking drivers to expect some traffic issues.
“But for the most part, we just encourage everyone to go out, be a little patient, get home safely, and we’ll be there if you need us.”
For more information visit: http://www.saratoga-arts.org/firstnight
