First Night Flathead shuttered after 17 years

First Night Flathead, downtown Kalispell’s annual family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, has canceled this year’s event citing financial difficulties.

The festival had been held each of the last 17 New Year’s Eves, but the organization’s board of directors unanimously voted in July to cancel this year’s gala and announced the news on the First Night Flathead Facebook page in September.

Organizers Patrice Manget and Jill Redmond highlighted dwindling financial support in explaining the decision in a press release on Thursday. She made note that private donations, corporate sponsorships and attendance had been declining in recent years.

The First Night Flathead organization, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, remains intact and the group is hoping to bring the event back in 2017. Organizers are currently seeking donations and sponsorship, and asked potential benefactors to contact the group no later than April 1.

During its 17 years, First Night Flathead featured live music at a number of downtown Kalispell locations along with games, arts and crafts, face painting and a parade. The entire event was non-alcoholic and all performances were appropriate for all ages.

To contact the organization, email info@firstnightflathead.org.