First Night Morris 2013: Your Essential Guide

Check out who is performing where, download maps and more.

First Night Morris County is almost upon us. Organizers have lined up dozens of entertainment opportunities at about 20 venues throughout Morristown for the family-friendly, no-alcohol, town-wide celebration of the new year. We're also including printable PDFs of the full First Night program, the schedule, and the map—so you might want to keep those handy if you won't have an electronic device to check out on the big night (those printable guides also come courtesy of organizers). For even more information directly from First Night organizers, see their website. Here's what's in store. Festivities begin around 7 p.m. on Dec. 31, and wrap up with fireworks on the Green. For additional stories on First Night Morris 2013: 1. Morristown High …

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John Dunphy

10:23 am on Thursday, December 27, 2012

Which PDF? Try a different browser, they're all coming up fine for me on Firefox.   more ›

Great Escape

Murder Mystery, Dancing, Hotel Getaway On New Year's

We've got ideas for great places to celebrate the start of a new year.

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. And with the New Year approaching, we want to give you a list of places that are still open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day if you’re looking to get out of the house — or to uncork the champagne and really start 2013 with a pop!

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First Night Morris 2013 Features New, Familiar Faces

Over 40 performances set for 21st-annual New Year's Eve event in Morristown.

If it's New Year's Eve, you know where Rio Clemente's going to be. Morristown's native son and pianist extraordinaire, "The Bishop of Jazz" has performed at First Night Morris, Morris County's annual alcohol-free end of the year celebration in Morristown since its second year. "That's a pretty long run," the Randolph resident said. So long, in fact, it's hard to remember just how many years that has been. "Even last year, I was trying to figure it out, then the Arts Council (organizers for the event) told me," Clemente said with a laugh. He is not the only one to return to this event's 21st year, on Dec. 31. Over 40 acts are booked throughout town—some returning, others celebrating a new year in Morristown for the first time. One of those …

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Drink Suggestions for Your New Year's Eve

We asked some local wine shops about some options for whatever your taste.

The new year is fast approaching, and folks all over the globe will be celebrating. Here in Somerset County, we want to help you find the right drinks for your New Year’s Eve celebration. Mike DiFabrizio, owner of The Wine Rack in The Hills, said that flavored vodkas are very popular this year — including Smirnoff's Fluff, which is marshmallow flavored. Jalapeno-flavored vodka and any drinks flavored with pomegranate also have been requested by customers, he said. Of course champagnes always are in demand, he said. Veuve Clicquot is a time-honored favorite at $42.99, DiFabrizio said. The reasonably priced Italian sparkling wine, Prosecco, is a big seller at $9.99. he said. Gary’s Wine and Marketplace, which boasts a location in …

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Great Escape

Celebrate New Year's With Food, Music, Drinks

Some good meals, good shows and fun this weekend.

  Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot more enjoyable. But this weekend is New Year’s, the start of a whole new year, and, honestly, a night to have a little bit of fun and celebrate the year that was. So we’ve got for you a list of things to do this weekend to celebrate 2011 and usher in 2012 with a fun, albeit safe, bang. Did we leave out any amazing New Year's parties this weekend? Let us know in the comments!

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Seniors Ring in New Year a Day Early

Somerset County Senior Wellness Center hosts annual party.

The Somerset County Senior Wellness Center hosted its New Year's Eve celebration a day early for senior citizens in Bernards Township and nearby communities. The festivities, attended by 24 people, are an annual event at the center on Mt. Airy Road. Thursday's celebration included luncheon, music and a trivia contest about customs and meanings of the New Year throughout the world. At 11:59 a.m., a colored ball made of paper mache was slowly lowered to simulate the event as seen at Time Square. Party hats, tiaras and noise makers added to the celebration among friends.

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