First Night gears up for 17th gala event

First Night Flathead is in the final stages of preparation for its 17th annual New Year’s Eve event on Dec. 31.

“This event is food for the soul,” said Patrice Manget, First Night Flathead board president and event organizer. “It’s such a beloved community tradition.”

The annual gala is the largest family-friendly celebration for ringing in the new year in the Flathead Valley, featuring special activities geared toward young children during the day and expanding into a full-blown, festival-style music and entertainment experience through the night.

Manget estimated that last year’s affair had more than 1,500 people in attendance, involving 14 venues and more than 70 volunteers.

“This is the charm, the excitement, the promise of First Night,” Manget said. “To offer an entire range of entertainment to our community on this one singular night.”

Many large sponsors and donors have again offered support to the community celebration. However, several others had to cut back on donations this year, leaving First Night Flathead in a tight financial spot as it gears up for the final weeks of 2015.

“We budget to the bones,” Manget said. “But we have not met our fundraising goals.”

First Night Flathead is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, funded exclusively by sponsor donations and admission button sales. Manget explained that First Night Flathead makes no profit from the event. All the money from button sales and donations goes back into the community to cover the event’s expenses, such as venue rental fees, insurance, band and artist fees and production costs for the buttons and other promotional materials.

“Every penny we raise goes back into the local economy,” Manget said.

All told, it costs First Night Flathead about $15,000 to put on the gala each year. Manget said between $10,000 and $12,000 of that goes to paying the bands to perform.

She estimates that 185 musicians are signed on to perform at this year’s celebration.

“So many of our local performers give their time and talents playing community benefit after community benefit,” Manget said. “Now it’s our turn to ask the community to support our local artists.

“Giving back to these artists, helping grow this event ... It’s a win-win.”

First Night Flathead welcomes any businesses interested in becoming sponsors, but also asks people in the community to consider donating this year.

“A little from many will go a long way,” Manget said.

Individuals and businesses interested in donating to First Night Flathead can visit www.FirstNightFlathead.org for more information, or call 406-253-2471.

First Night Flathead kicks off this year’s celebration on Thursday, Dec. 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kalispell Center Mall and Red Lion Fireside Lounge with a variety of free family activities.

Games, face painting, arts and crafts and a parade are all part of the fun. Buttons are not required for the family activities; this part of the event is offered as a free gift to the community from First Night Flathead. All ages are welcome and it is open to the public.

Musical performances will begin at 7 p.m. and run through the night at various downtown Kalispell venues. First Night Flathead is finalizing the performance schedule now, with complete details set to be released with the full program in Saturday’s Daily Inter Lake.

Admission buttons are required at all night performances. Buttons are $12 if purchased in advance or $15 at the door. Children 12 and younger get in for free when accompanied by an adult with a valid button. Buttons go on sale around the Flathead Valley on Dec. 18.

A full list of sales outlets, as well as more information about the event, can be found at www.FirstNightFlathead.org.

All performances are appropriate for all ages and the entire gala is a non-alcoholic event.

For more information about First Night Flathead or to make a donation, visit www.FirstNightFlathead.org or call 406-253-2471.

Entertainment Editor Stefanie Thompson can be reached at 758-4439 or ThisWeek@dailyinterlake.com.