
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, December 30, 1994                   TAG: 9412300100
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

NEW YEAR'S EVE

FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, First Night Roanoke will turn downtown Roanoke into a hodgepodge of diversions and entertainment spanning 11 locations, 35 hands-on activities and 75 stage performances. Locations are mainly scattered between Church and Norfolk Avenues and First and Fifth Streets.

The alcohol-free celebration, one of 114 nationwide and in Canada, includes dancing, storytellers, a variety of musical styles, the Golden Rod puppets, facepainting, glamour photography, horse-drawn carriage rides, an iceless skating rink, movies, karaoke, a children's play area, food vendors and much more. New this year is an All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Supper from 5-8 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church and the Midnight Run at Ten, including a one-mile fun run at 9:30 p.m. and a 5K run at 10 p.m. Many activities are indoors, so they may proceed regardless of the weather. The event culminates in a midnight candlelight procession led by a Chinese dragon and a dazzling display of fireworks.

Events are Saturday from 6 to midnight

Admission buttons, good for all activities except the spaghetti supper, the Midnight Run and the fun run, are available at numerous locations for $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3 through 12, if purchased in advance. The buttons cost $7 for adults and $5 for children if purchased the night of the event at any First Night entrance. Call 342-2640.

by CNB