By Erin Rossiter
For Coastal Senior

Sue Altshuler pinned her First Night 2000 button to her blouse before leaving home. As a volunteer for last year's family-oriented New Year's Eve party, she was invited to preview this year's event.

Current First Night Entertainers Magic Marc Ballet South Sean Driscol, magical story maker La Commedia Sprezzatura, traditional Italian comedy Coastal Winds, woodwind quartet Royalettes, Gospel singers Sankofa Dance group The Savannah Arts Academy's contemporary ballet Angela Beasley's Puppet People Other entertainment was being secured at deadline First Night Sponsors Savannah Electric Coca-Cola Waste Management SunTrust Learning Odyssey Partners Savannah Morning News Memorial Health Georgia Ports Authority South College Cumulus Radio Group City of Savannah

At the reception, Altshuler added the First Night 2001 button to her blouse. For the Timberland Apartments manager, they are badges of honor symbolizing a wholesome, good way to usher in another year.

"You are having just as much fun. You're staying out of trouble. Plus, you're doing it for a good cause," she said.

About 190 cities nationwide have First Night celebrations aimed at reviving the ancient tradition of marking the passage of time with art, ritual and festival. Boston groups created the family-oriented New Year's Eve celebration in 1976 as a non-alcoholic alternative to end of the year parties.

Last year, the Historic Railroad Shops at the Roundhouse was the venue for the city's inaugural First Night events, drawing an estimated crowd of 3,500. A number of local performers were showcased during the 6 p.m.-midnight festival, which concluded with fireworks.

But resources for the party, including entertainment and concessions, were drained as a result of late planning and other year-2000 festivities. Not to mention that First Night 2000 was Savannah's first First Night, a challenge in itself.

This year, Junior League organizers have aligned the event with how International First Night, the umbrella group that guides First Night cities, envisions the New Year's celebrations.

"First Night International encourages you to use your city as your stage," said Kristl Story, Savannah's First Night chairperson.

Reynolds Square will be the center of activity for First Night 2001. Performing and visual arts venues will include City Lights and Savannah theaters, First Baptist and Christ churches. The Lucas Theater will also host some acts.

That's right - the long-under-restoration Lucas Theater.

"That in itself is a drawing card," Story said.

"I may have to pull off some of my magic to make it happen," said Magic Marc Dunston, jokingly.

He performed Thursday night with his cockatoo, Bingo, along with Ballet South and Angela Beasley's Puppet People - some of the headline acts on the Lucas stage.

The festival, in keeping with its family-centered theme, will start earlier this year, about 4 p.m. It will conclude with a public procession from Reynolds Square to Morrell Park (on River Street) where a fireworks display will culminate the evening at 10 p.m.

That's right - 10 p.m.

"Last year, we spent a lot of money on fireworks and there weren't a lot of people there to watch them," Story said. "Our biggest crowd was between 8-10 p.m. Then it sort of tapered out."

Ending earlier will accommodate families with young children and senior citizens who want to stay for the fireworks display, Story said.

Other efforts to make First Night all-inclusive are shuttle buses from the Oglethorpe Mall, trolley transportation within the Historic District for venue-to-venue travel and discount parking downtown.

Food and concessions will be plentiful, with a decidedly international theme. And there will be no alcoholic beverages - in keeping with the First Night concept of pure family entertainment.

"I think for year number two we have a little more direction," Story said. "We feel like after last year, our First Night is starting to get an identity of its own."