First Night — Revelers can stay warm and dry with Saturday bash at mall

PROVO — This New Year's Eve — or more accurately this New Year's Eve eve — partiers will have more to do, and they can stay cozy and warm while celebrating.

Organizers have moved the party inside.

This year's First Night Provo 2007 celebration is Saturday at the Provo Towne Centre — upstairs, downstairs and in the parking lot.

"I think people prefer it on Saturday instead of Sunday in this community," said JaNel Grim, one of the Parks and Recreation staff members overseeing the event. "We'll try this one year. Then next year, it'll be on a Monday."

Last year, lightning, snow and cold forced the cancellation of a number of events.

That prompted organizers to consider moving the party, said Scott Henderson, assistant director of parks.

"We're for doing whatever will guarantee the most success," Henderson said.

Grim said having the event inside allows more children's activities, including magic shows, a "Star Wars" encounter and play time.

Also, the admission button provides access to everything, said Grim.

Guests can dance, party, eat and play from 6 p.m. to midnight in an alcohol-free public celebration that marks the passage from the old year to the new. Youth and family activities are planned between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. when the mall stores close.

There will be magic shows, face painting, jugglers performing, balloon animal and hat-making, candy sand art, an opportunity to decorate a New Year's hat, mask and/or crown and a ball drop countdown.

Food court businesses will be open.

Activities for teenagers and adults will be from 9 p.m. until midnight with the fireworks finale. (There are also fireworks at 9 p.m. )

Performers selected by audition will sing and dance in the First Night Star segments. Categories include vocalists 18 and older who will perform with a live band during First Night. Also, jazz dancers, hip hop dancers, ballroom dancers 1and tap dancers — all 12 and older — will perform.

Performers may compete as singles or in groups. Winners receive cash, lessons, make-overs, media exposure, free limousine services, private coaching and talent agency exposure. They will be announced at First Night.

Enoch Train will perform on the Shooting Stars Stage outside JC Penney's on the lower floor.