29th ‘First Night’ New Year’s Eve celebration held in Downtown Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — Excitement spanned 14 blocks through Pittsburgh’s Cultural District for Highmark First Night, the 29th year for the event.

PHOTOS: 29th ‘First Night’ New Year’s Eve celebration held in Downtown Pittsburgh

From two rounds of fireworks to plenty of activities for children, including an ice maze and New Year’s Eve parade, there was something for everyone. The parade started at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, turning onto Stanwix Street and towards the Allegheny River

“I love it. I love coming down here whenever we can,” said Melissa Logeman, who attended the festivities with her family.

“It’s our first time for both of us visiting Pittsburgh for New Year’s, and we found this nice program here,” said Akhil Sherma of Detroit.

People from all over the country had their reasons for wanting to ring in the New Year downtown, including Constance Southerly and Allan Feldman of Morgantown, who first attended First Night many years ago.

“We’re planning to move South, so I thought, ‘I wanna come one more time,’” Southerly said.

“We’re glad the rain stopped, and the weather is nice, and being in the city…it feels safe,” Feldman said.

Plenty of performers took several outdoor stages throughout the night, with thousands of people projected to attend, most of whom waited patiently until 11:59 for the “Future of Pittsburgh” ball to drop.

“I like how the families are coming together and social with everybody, coming out and just celebrating,” said Rana Pruitt, who attended the event.

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