STORY:
Family Festivities Big in Ohio

The simple, inexpensive parties attracting thousands while expensive galas are cancelled

(Everything2000) Black-tie, champagne and cav iar are losing out to art, magic and kids in the state of Ohio. Thousands are expected to ring in the New Year at Fir st Night non-alcohol celebrations. However, sponsors of posh, private parties are having a tough time filling their seats.

It looks like this is the year to stay home with family or at least spend the New Year with family at a simple celebration. Ohio and states nationwide are finding that many of their elaborate package deals are not selling this year, as people prefer to be near home or keep their money in their pockets.

Columbus is expecting 25,000 at their First Night party in the downtown area. It is an alcohol-free event, which includes music, dance, art and magic. It cost only $8 for adults and children are free. Attendance is up at least 5,000 people over previous years.

"The media had us believing people wanted to spend lots of money on an extravagant party package deal at some place away from home. But we're finding people seem to want to stay here and do something safe, something fun and something together," Bev Sult, executive director of First Night Columbus, told the Associated Press.

Other Ohio cities are finding the same situation. A free party in Cleveland’s Public Square is expecting huge crowds. The city’s historic center will treat thousands of revelers to a concert by the Isley Brothers and they will drop a giant illuminated light bulb from the Terminal Tower. In Akron and Toledo family fun parties are also attracting large crowds.

On the other hand, hotels, clubs and restaurants have been disappointed with the sale of tickets to their private, posh parties. Businesses thought people would want to go out and celebrate the New Year at lavish bashes, after all it is the Year 2000. Parties were planned around that thought, and tickets are not selling.

An event at Dayton’s Hara Arena, because of poor ticket sales. The $75 per person party was to include dinner, music and a comic act for 1,500. A River club cruise costing $375 per person has sold only half of its 1,200 tickets and New Year is right around the corner. The Columbus Marriott North planned a big-band ballroom event for 500. That party has changed to an intimate jazz and dinner celebration because ticket sales were so low.

Ohio isn’t much different than the rest of the country. Many elaborate parties and concerts nationwide have been cancelled due to lack of interest. It may be Y2K, it may be something else, but people are opting out of expensive parties and attending family events or deciding that being home is the best party in town.

Source: Associated Press

DATE: 12/23/99

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