Now in its 12th year, First Night Haddonfield—a community, family friendly, alcohol free, six hour New Year’s Eve celebration—claims three new headline entertainers, returning favorites and its two signature countdown shows with fireworks to the roster of offerings, and all for only $12 per person, just minutes from Philadelphia.
  Headliners include Motown group Souled Out, Celtic Band Seven Nations, and the Synergy Brass Quintet. 
  Souled Out: "Motown and More." The group is 10-piece musical ensemble that specializes in the great Motown and Soul sounds. The group weaves its way through the Motown and 70's soul eras with authentic choreographed dance routines and outstanding musicianship. Not only is Souled Out a sensational listening and dancing experience, it is an awesome visual one as well.
  Seven Nations:  One of America’s most recognized Celtic Bands.  The group, named for the seven nations of the Celtic world, has played New Year's Eve on the Royal Mile in Scotland for 40,000 people.
  Synergy Brass Quintet:  Classical music defined by a new era.  Acclaimed for a veritable fireworks display of outstanding musical ability combined with superb showmanship, the group’s more than 300 engagements a year have taken them to every corner of the United States including the Tanglewood Music Festival and a broadcast on NBC with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
  Other featured performances include winner of South Jersey Magazine’s best talent award Brett Speesler, plus music from Colombia and Argentina, Japanese drums and dance, magic, poetry, children’s performers, and jazz, contemporary and classical music.
  Other highlights of the evening’s festivities include First Night Haddonfield’s signature countdown shows, held at 8:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. at the Clock Tower on Kings Highway, each followed by fireworks sponsored by allRisk Property Damage Experts of Somerdale and managed by Pyrotecnico.  
  “Visit www.firstnighthaddonfield.org to plan your New Year’s Eve early and ring in 2010,” said Linda Tuno, event coordinator.  “This year’s schedule of performers as well as a number of new offerings including a Living History Presentation at the Indian King Tavern Museum and an art exhibit and coffee bar at the Markeim Arts Center.
  First Night Haddonfield admission buttons sell out quickly, so buy now at the Haddonfield Information Center at 12 Kings Court and select Haddonfield businesses or online at ticketweb.com,” added Tuno. “You won’t find a better value at $12 per person for an entire evening of festivities that promise something for everyone.”
  Admission to all venues requires a First Night Haddonfield 2010 Button for everyone, except babes in arms.  Buttons, $12 each, can be purchased online at www.ticketweb.com, in person at the Haddonfield Information Center, 2 Kings Court, or at selected Haddonfield businesses listed below.  For a list of hours of operation for each business, please visit www.firstnighthaddonfield.org. 
  •    Markeim Arts Center, (856) 429-8585, Lincoln Ave. and Walnut St.
  •    Carl’s Haddonfield Sunoco, 856-428-4222, 515 Haddon Avenue
  •    Professional Printing, 856-429-8644, 116 Haddon Avenue
  •    Susquehanna Bank DV, 856-857-1414, 30 Kings Highway East
  •    TD Bank, 856-795-8999, 100 Haddon Avenue
  Those people interested in attending the event for free can consider becoming a volunteer.  By participating as an usher for just one event, you receive a free entry button to all of the evening’s performances. Sign up online at www.firstnighthaddonfield.org or call 856-429-4700, ext. 300.
  Conducted for the first time this year was an Out-Of-This-World Poster Contest with prizes for elementary-school students.  Invited to create and submit a poster based on this year’s theme, “Welcoming the World…and the New Year,” entrants vied for prizes in each of two categories:  students in grades K – 2nd and in grades 3rd – 5th. All entries will be on display at the Markeim Arts Center the evening of the event.
  For a complete and up-to-date list of performances, venues, and show times, visit www.firstnighthaddonfield.org and become a fan on FACEBOOK, or call the First Night Haddonfield information line at 856-429-4700, ext. 300.
  The Holiday Inn Philadelphia/Cherry Hill is the event’s host hotel again this year, special rates are offered as available, be sure to mention ‘First Night’ when calling to make a reservation.
  Seating is first come, first served and limited at all venues.  All indoor performances take place regardless of weather conditions.
  First Night Haddonfield is an activity of the Haddonfield Cultural Arts Commission—Jack Tarditi, President; Tish Colombi, Vice President; Gene D’Orazio, Treasurer.