SCRANTON - It's first night Scranton and the Electric City is showcasing just what makes it so special.
"We decided that we would embrace all of the new ethnicities and all the past ethnicities, so we have 17 countries represented, and I think there's something for everybody," said First Night Scranton Project Manager Paige Balitski.
Performer Damian the Magician is just one of the entertainment acts that can be found throughout Downtown Scranton. He says his New Year's Eve performance in the Mall at Steamtown is one he looks forward to each and every year.
"Seeing the expressions on the people's faces, the awe, the wonderment, the joy of the New Year's Eve celebration. It really means an awful lot to me, and it keeps me motivated to do it year after year," said Damian the Magician.
Many of the acts can be found right in the Mall at Steamtown, as well as about a dozen other venues throughout the city.
Paul Mackarey is spending his first New Year at First Night 2013. He bought his buttons on New Year's Eve and says he plans to have dinner downtown and enjoy some jazz music with his friends. He says it's the perfect way to ring in the New Year.
"It's simple, it's good clean fun and it's convenient. Park the car and stroll for the night, especially if it's going to be a nice night," said Mackarey.
All of the entertainment costs the non-profit First Night about $75,000, but they say it's the support from the community and businesses that makes this annual tradition one that's become so successful.
"Without them, we'd have to have a much smaller budget, and without them, even though First Night would continue, we would not be able to offer what we do every year," said Balitski.
Fireworks will help ring in the New Year at midnight. They`ll be set off from the corner of Lackawanna Avenue and Penn Avenue in Scranton.