HISTORY
An interview with Emily Guthrie, Board member since 1992,
currently serving as vice president
"First Night Evanston (FNE) began in December of 1992 after the idea was brought here by Anny Heydemann. She attended the event in Boston which is where First Night was invented with her son and his family. She took the idea to Joe Zendell, staff person for the City of Evanston Arts Council. He found funding from the Illinois Arts Council, the City of Evanston, Northwestern University, the Evanston Arts Council, Downtown Evanston and many other local businesses and organizations.
The first event drew several thousand people. Eventually the event was held on several blocks between Emerson and Lake streets to the north and south and between Hinman and Ridge Avenues to the east and west. Churches, businesses, and other downtown spaces opened their lobbies to the celebration, and at 10 minutes to midnight, people went down to the Lakefront for fireworks. They were encouraged to bring pans and spoons to create a clammer bringing in the new year.
To celebrate the millennium in 2000, over 15,000 people from 70+ zip codes attended the daylong events. Evanston's was one of the largest New Year Eve’s events in the US with a budget of over $250,000. There were over 100 acts at more than 40 locations, all located in or near the downtown, with almost 500 volunteers helping staff the sites. I know that because Margie Rogasner and I scheduled volunteers. It required quite a spreadsheet, believe me.
Then, in 2007, with the economic downturn, many First Nights in Illinois and across the country had difficulty getting funding. A lot of them closed shop. First Night Evanston found itself in the same situation. In October 2007, the organization disbanded. All bills were paid, the corporation formally dissolved, and the 501c3 status abandoned.
As 2013 approached and planning began for the 150th anniversary of Evanston’s incorporation in 1863, several former First Night board members wanted to bring back the event to cap off the year. Many events were taking place (nearly one a day). The organization re-incorporated with the State of Illinois and renewed the 501c3 status. A core group of roughly 20 people met once a month and were aided by another 60, all volunteers. Funds were raised from dozens of local businesses, the City of Evanston and through sales of "Evanstonopoly," an Evanston-themed Monopoly game. That game is still avaiiable at a bargain price of $10. See link below.
So, on December 31st, 2013, despite 6” of snow falling by evening, nearly 3,000 people attended the renewed First Night Evanston. That year there were 30 musical and theatrical performances, a poetry slam, and afternoon events for children including a Flea Circus with Michael Kett. Headliners included Grammy Award-winning harmonicist Howard Levy, folk and blues singer Corky Siegel, jazz guitarist Bobby Broom and bluegrass singer James King. The Nairobi Girls Choir was a last minute and very welcome addition when one of the scheduled artists fell ill. Festivities for children began at 1 p.m. with crafts, storytelling, music, face painting and dancing.
"We knew we had support from local businesses, the hosting institutions, contributors and volunteers, but we didn't realize how big our audience would be. The community response was overwhelmingly positive," said President Anny Heydemann, the original founder.
First Night Evanston continues to bring together first-class talent. The group’s goal as laid out in its mission statementis to provide a distinctive cultural event that offers entertainment for all ages. First Night wants to provide families in Evanston and surrounding communities with a day that they can fully enjoy on New Year's Eve, taking part in all of the sights and sounds and at a reasonable price. And without having to travel very far! Music ranges from bluegrass to Caribbean to jazz to opera. Magicians, poetry slams, and comedy, along with ballroom, folk, square and line dancing, also draw large audiences. Kids have their own events and activities to enjoy.
Since then, First Night Evanston has continued to bring together first-class talent, both national and local. The 2020 event was creatively engineered as a virtual event because of the pandemic and the lockdown. 2021 hosted an intimate concert featuring Corky Siegel and friends in his living room. It included a 2-hour variety show hosted by Corky Siegel with 18 performers and groups. Admission was free and relying on donations to compensate the performers.
Now we are encouraging folks to contribute to help fund this year's event.