SCRANTON -- The Electric City was electrified as the First Night celebration got folks charged up to welcome in 2013.
“It’s a great family night, otherwise we’d just be sitting at home and the kids love it. She made me come back this year,” said Meg Kelly of Scranton.
This is the 14th year for the New Year’s Eve celebration in Scranton, with family-friendly entertainment and performances taking place throughout the downtown.
“It’s wonderful. We’ve been going since the beginning, since it first started. It gets better every year. We really love it,” said Ann Craig of Clarks Summit.
On Lackawanna Avenue, folks lined up for horse-drawn carriage rides.
“We love it down here. We do this every year. This is our sixth year doing this,” said Donna Shaffer of Scranton. “It’s a tradition for us. We love it.”
And, there was plenty to see and do inside the Mall at Steamtown.
From musical shows to face painting, it’s easy to have more than one favorite.
“I like everything,” said Sarah Boyle of Peckville. “I like getting my face painted, and it’s fun to stay up late.”
“Horse buggy, face painting, the circuses,” said Grace Schariese of Scranton.
Over at the Elm Park Methodist Church on Jefferson Avenue, a reggae band got the night in swing.
A Trinidad steel band did the same thing at the Ritz Theater on Wyoming Avenue.
“It’s a fabulous opportunity to come out and see some great art and music and just enjoy the time with the kids and the family and enjoy Scranton,” said Amy Betts of Scranton.
And, of course, walking around the downtown can work up an appetite. Plenty of food vendors had delicious items for sale.
Many here say this night is the perfect way to say Happy New Year!