It’s official — First Night Tacoma-Pierce County is back and promises to be bigger, better and more piratey than ever (Piratey is a word. Look it up). Debt-free and ready to roll, the resurrection of Tacoma’s annual non-alcoholic, arts-enriched, sumptuous, family-friendly New Year celebration is alive in a way that may not have been achievable without a little time off, says co-organizer Alicia Lawver.  

“There is a lot of new blood, and plenty of long-timers with past knowledge and new energy,” says Lawver. “Everyone who took First Night for granted is really excited. I think people have realized what an amazing part of the community it really is.”

First Night is a coordinated international phenomenon, with more than 100 cities worldwide manifesting (relatively) drunk free celebrations that allow people not interested in being totally smashed to come out of their homes to celebrate the new year.

In Tacoma, past celebrations have included giant puppets, parades, pirates, racing pigs, rolling heads, music, performers, fireworks, sword fights and more. More than 10 years of First Night tradition came to a halt in 2006 when organizers ran into fundraising troubles, with artists, vendors and staff going unpaid. Rumor and speculation have surrounded the possibility of First Night returning to Tacoma.

Lawver relates that for two years, local organizers have secretly worked to pay off debts, rebuild and bring it back. Several benefactors donated enough money to bring debts down to a surmountable $8,000. Metro Parks Foundation stepped forward with a challenge grant offering to match $4,000 if the rest could be raised. In no time (well, a relatively short time) it was. Checks were cut, and First Night is officially scheduled for December 31. This year, the theme is Pirates, and next steps include reaching out to the local creative community for ideas that will make this year’s event a shattering success.

“If anyone has a really crazy funky idea, now is the time to submit it,” says Lawver. “This is really time for people to get creative.”

Get involved

• Donate: According to www.FirstNightTacoma. org, big donations will take First Night far, but so will small ones.


• Volunteer: First Night need time, energy and talent almost as much as loot. Organizers plan to have an information booth at the Farmer’s Market. And then, of course, there’s the event itself.  For more information, e-mail firstnighttacoma @gmail.coom.


• Feedback: Organizers want to know what people liked about past events, what events, activities or music people would like to see in the future. First Night organizers take feedback seriously. Seriously.