First Night Annapolis

Subject: First Night Annapolis
From: Wincing Devil
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 03:24 PM

Does anybody have any experience, tips or tales about First Night Annapolis? (Annapolis, Maryland USA)

(First Night Annapolis (FNA) is an annual New Year's Eve celebration of the Arts, showcasing hundreds of performances of music, dance, theater, comedy, and more for audiences of all ages and tastes.)

In particular:

• Dress? (I'm looking for an excuse to go in costume...)
• How's Parking?
• How's the (ahem) sanitary facility situation? (Porta Potties...)
• Is it ungoshly crowded, or just cozy?
• Is this an alcohol free event?
• Is it far from venue to venue?
• How bad is the exit traffic?
• Any other pertinent info or ideas

These questions are only partially answered by their website, so personal anecdotes are appreciated

Wincing Devil   >;-( "The cat was created when the lion sneezed." - Arab myth

Subject: RE: First Night Annapolis
From: MMario
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 03:29 PM

I know that The Pyrates Royale's latest CD - Love at Fyrst Nyte was recorded Lyve at First Night.

And jusdging by that - it would be well worth going to.

Subject: RE: First Night Annapolis
From: GUEST,Keltik
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 05:20 PM

dress warm! garb perfectly fine .... (its frequently cold enough to freeze the...well you know.. :P)

park at the navy stadium and ride the shuttles in - still will be wait to leave but not so bad do not even think about driving downtown *G*

no booze, but loads of coffee and coacoa

go see the pyrates :) and look for maggie sansone...

can't recall any problems finding a place to "go" (theres always the ones under the harbormaster's office on the City Dock)

cozy-crowded- changes constantly

prepare to do some walking...like multiple blocks if i recall....comfy/warm shoes

thats all i can recall... *G* its been a year or two since i've been....

Subject: RE: First Night Annapolis
From: Wincing Devil
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 11:21 AM

That's the info I was looking for, Thanx!

Now to convince Sweetee-Face to brave the crowds and cold!

Mayhaps we can set up a Catter's Rendezvouz?

Wincing Devil   >;-( Dogs have owners, Cats have staff!

Subject: RE: First Night Annapolis
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 23 Dec 01 - 11:17 AM

Vince asks: "Dress? (I'm looking for an excuse to go in costume...)"

You don't need an excuse! Do what your heart fancies! You will find many others in garb as well.

"How's Parking?"

It SUCKS! Bus it in, or carpool if you can...otherwise, come early and use one of the few parking garages available. I understand they run shuttles from the outlying areas into the City proper...that might be a good way to go.

"How's the (ahem) sanitary facility situation? (Porta Potties...)"

There are occasional indoor facilities where some of the acts will be playing (the gyms are good places to look for potties). Time your needs right, and you will not have to look for outdoor facilities.

"Is it ungoshly crowded, or just cozy?"

Depends on where you go, what you see, and at what time. Sorry, canna make that much better than that!

"Is this an alcohol free event?"

The *event* is alcohol free...but the *City* is not. There are bars open all along the 1st night routes, and many of the people in town for the evening are there for the traditional NY pastime of drinking.

"Is it far from venue to venue?"

Yes and no. There are a lot of things very close to one another, but if you are interested in *specific* shows/acts, they might be fairly far from one another.

"How bad is the exit traffic?"

Egads...plot a return trip out *before* the night of the event, and park accordingly.

"Any other pertinent info or ideas?"

Watch the news of the weather and plan accordingly...but bring things for worse/better weather as well, cuz ya never know! I have been told that doing the 1st night thing is more enjoyable in a group than alone. It is a "party" atmosphere, so this is not bad advice. Check out the stages/play times of those acts you really want to see most, and try to plot your wanderings accordingly. See stuff you have never seen, as most of the entertainment is really worthwhile. There is a website, though I don't know how in depth they go into where everyone is playing/performing, or when they will be playing. http://www.firstnightannapolis.org/

Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1