The First Night Logo

Each year, we invite artists to submit their work for the First Night® Logo Contest. Thanks to all who participated...

Pro Portsmouth Unveils First Night® Portsmouth Logo 

PORTSMOUTH, NH. November 10, 2009. Pro Portsmouth unveiled this year's First Night® Logo on a balmy afternoon in November -it actually felt more like the group could be addressing Market Square Day. But New Year's Eve took center stage at The North Church with a discussion of the event, performers and activities and the ongoing efforts to garner financial support through the sale of 'shares' in First Night®.

This year's logo artwork was created by Carolyn Vibbert of Portsmouth. Carolyn responded to the 'Call to Artists' for logo designs; in all, over 75 submissions were received by Pro Portsmouth. "Whether it's Children's Day or First Night®, year after year, event after event, we are incredibly appreciative of the tremendous depth and scope of the artists and their creations," says Barbara Massar, Executive Director of Pro Portsmouth. Vibbert receives the top prize of $300 for her submission. A second place check in the amount of $125 goes to Sarah Tone of Kittery and third place, $75, David Lopatich of Hampton. The students of Terra Merry's Portsmouth High School Grahics Design Class were acknowledged for their design efforts. Executive Director Barbara Massar coordinated a logo project with Merry. "It was a great experience all around", noted Massar who had visited the class and presented the logo project as a business client. They discussed and reviewed previous logos, as well as the mission of First Night and Pro Portsmouth. A special thanks went out to PHS Senior, Kelly Galvin, whose design was given an honorable mention. Galvin is interested in attending an arts college in order to pursue her interests in visual arts and graphic design.

Activities and entertainment planned for First Night® Portsmouth include a Fireworks Display at the South Mill Pond at 7:30pm, Ice Sculptures in Market Square and a Street Dance on Pleasant Street.

First Night® performance venues include: The Connie Bean Recreation Center, The Middle Street Baptist Hall, The North Church, Temple Israel, The South Church, The United Methodist Hall, and The West End Studio Theatre. Pro Portsmouth welcomes The Great Bay Academy of Dance as both performer and venue site.

Support Still Needed

Each year, First Night attracts thousands of people to the City for a New Year's Celebration. The event costs Pro Portsmouth approximately $50.0K to produce; financially, its 'livelihood' depends on sponsorships, donations and button sales to pay for all related event costs from performers to rental trucks.

In addition to corporate sponsorships, this year the group has invited small businesses and community members to add their names to the list of supporters for First Night®. As one of only two remaining First Night® cities in New Hampshire, Pro Portsmouth believes that this event is vital to our continued success as a destination for family, friends and neighbors from down the street and around the world. Information regarding First Night® shares and being a part of the Community Initiative for First Night® is available at www.proportsmouth.org/CommunityInitiative or by calling 603-610-5521 

First Nighters will be able to enjoy a wide range of music and dance. The Button is your pass to hours of great entertainment from 3pm to midnight on December 31^st. A complete schedule is available online and in the Official First Night® Portsmouth Program produced by Foster's Daily Democrat.

The First Night® Button is your ticket for all entertainment. The Button will be available online at www.proportsmouth.org in late November. Locally, the Button may be purchased after December 5^th at Hannaford (Pic 'n Pay) on Islington Street and The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. A special thank you goes out to Ocean Bank - once again the Button will be sold at their Seacoast area branches: Portsmouth (Islington, State & Lafayette Streets), Dover, Durham, Exeter, Hampton, Kittery, ME, Rochester, Stratham and South Berwick, ME.

Pro Portsmouth will also offering an online only 'Stocking Stuffer' special for First Night® Buttons through December 25^th.

To date, Sponsors for First Night® include: Lindt USA, McLane Law Firm, The Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Picataqua Landscaping. It was also announced that Irving Oil joins Pro Portsmouth as a Program Partner for 2010. "We are grateful to Irving Oil for their support of our program", said Massar.

It takes a village of Volunteers to make First Night® happen. All Volunteers receive the exclusive FNP Volunteer Sweat shirt and a FN Button. Be a part of this great celebration - for information on volunteering, contact Anne Lynch at 603-610-5530.

For more information on First Night® and all Pro Portsmouth, Inc. events visit the website at www.proportsmouth.org or call 603-433-4398.

About Pro Portsmouth, Inc.

Pro Portsmouth, Inc. is a 501c (3) organization serving the Seacoast area. Its Mission is to promote the arts, culture, history and community of the region through such events as Children's Day, Market Square Day Festival & 10K Road Race, Summer in the Street and First Night® Portsmouth.

Below you'll see some of past FNP Logos..