Landy Alger, Sugar House, said he and his girlfriend loved the fire dancers.

"Really cool," said Clark Hardell, Sandy. His son, Jason, said what he liked was "how they could keep the fire burning in their mouth and light the other torch with it."

Sean Meacham, Salt Lake City, pushing two children in a long stroller, said the dancers' "finesse and spirit captivated us. That was good stuff."

Todd Hanson, Salt Lake City, estimated he had attended about two-thirds of the First Night celebrations since 1991. The plaza was "much less crowded right now," he said. "I'm sure it'll pick up as the night goes on."

This year, he said, there were "a lot less people" because of the temperature and the day of the week.

To accommodate those who preferred not to celebrate New Year's Eve on the Sabbath, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provided free festivities Saturday night at Temple Square.

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E-mail: bau@desnews.com