Oh, what a night

At least 25,000 people already know the drill for First Night Spokane.

That’s how many showed up last year to the downtown New Year’s Eve celebration of arts and music. If you add in all of the people who have turned out for the event’s six previous years, that makes for a huge chunk of the population who have First Night down cold (and some years, we do mean cold).

Just to jog your memories, here’s a refresher course about what First Night Spokane has to offer on Monday, along with some new highlights:

“The core First Night celebration features more than 70 musicians, comedians, performers and artists, scattered out across dozens of downtown venues, from 7 p.m. until midnight.

“You can get into any or all of these events by purchasing a $12 First Night button today at Tomlinson Black Real Estate offices or Zip Trip food stores. Buttons also will be available for $15 on Monday at River Park Square and various other First Night venues. Children 10 and under are admitted free with a button-wearing adult.

“It all begins with Kids Night Out, this year renamed Avista Kids Night Out, from 3 to 6 p.m. with a variety of childrens’ performers and activities at the Spokane Convention Center.

“The kids’ Masquerade Parade begins at 6 p.m., from the Convention Center, down Spokane Falls Boulevard to Riverfront Park. Bring your own mask or make one at Kids Night Out.

“The parade will be followed by the first fireworks display at 6:30 p.m. at Riverfront Park, for those who don’t want to stay up until 2008. Another fireworks display at the same spot will commence at exactly the stroke of midnight.

“Free parking is available at the Spokane Arena East lots (south of Boone between Howard and Washington), with a free shuttle running every 10 minutes. The shuttle also stops at a number of other spots between there and the intersection of Fourth and Howard (look for the map in the First Night booklet that comes with your button purchase).

“11th Hour, the music extravaganza featuring local bands, takes over the Convention Center from 7 to 11:40 p.m.

“The popular ski-snowboard Rail Jam, renamed New Year’s Steezy-Eve Rail Contest, will return to the Riverfront Park Runner’s Meadow (next to the runners’ sculptures) from 7 p.m. to midnight.

“A total of 30 downtown restaurants, ranging from McDonald’s to Mizuna, will stay open late into the night to feed the hungry multitudes. First Night has turned into a “banner night” in the downtown restaurant trade, according to event organizers.

“The theme of this year’s First Night Spokane is “As If By Magic,” so you’ll see a number of magic acts, including Steve the Pretty Good, Louie Foxx and Dick Frost.

“You’ll also find plenty of what you might call New Vaudeville or variety performers, such as the Seattle comedy duo Chickee and Boom Boom; Godfrey Daniels, whose act can best be described as goofy physical comedy; the comedy-juggling act Brothers From Different Mothers; and Peter Irish, five-time world champion “footbag competitor,” who juggles with both hands and feet.

“On the grander side of the scale, the big event at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral will be the Spokane Youth Orchestra combined with the Spokane Area Children’s Chorus, for a performance that should exceed the sum of its parts, at 7 and 8 p.m.

“ Those who want to see the newly renovated Fox Theater can hear the Spokane Symphony in that art-deco treasure, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.

“ For something completely different, there’s Global Heat, a hip-hop dance group from Seattle, at the Masonic Center Auditorium at 9, 10 and 11 p.m.

“ First Night is not just for families. Those interested in entertainment aimed at those 18 and over should head down to “The District,” consisting of CenterStage, the Empyrean, Avenue West and Artisan’s Wares. You can see a variety show, listen to blues and learn to tango.

“ Once again, the First Night 48-Hour Film Festival will screen the winners of its annual film contest at the Spokane City Hall Council Chambers all evening. All of these films were made earlier this month in the space of 48 hours.

“ And, on top of everything else, you can head to Riverfront Park and ice skate and ride the Carrousel for free (with First Night button; skate rental extra) all evening.

.