Special Happenings for 2008 First Night Chatham
Also See the
Complete List of Entertainers
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Special
Luncheon to Honor all Cape Cod Veterans of the 1940s
Monday, December 29, Noon to 3:00 p.m. Chatham VFW Hall
by Invitation Only
The iconic photo at left symbolizes one of the happiest days of the 1940s
- the end of World War II and the outbreak of peace. The photo was taken
by Alfred Eisenstaedt for Life Magazine in Times Square on Aug. 14, 1945,
during the celebration to mark V-J Day, the end of the war. First Night
Chatham recognizes the contribution of the men and women who served
their country so well during this critical period. Photo:
Alfred Eisenstaedt, Time-Life/Getty Images
This special luncheon will be held to honor all of our local Cape Cod residents who served in the armed forces during the 1940s. Men and women left their homes and families for domestic and foreign places to support of the war effort and safeguard our freedom. Their work and sacrifice brought us peace for many years. We join with others in appreciation. The First Night committee continues to seek out the names of our honored veterans who served during this time. If you know of someone who has not yet been contacted, please email us at veterans@firstnightchatham.com!
Countdown
Cod and Fireworks
Chatham's answer to Times Square at New Year's
Eve is Countdown Cod*. Designed and built by First Night
Chatham's Richard Clifford, the sculpture is a true work of art and a
codfish with a personality. The cod will be hoisted 60 feet above the
Oyster Pond parking lot on a crane at about 11:45 pm. Five minutes later,
the cod will be illuminated by 20 halogen lights planted in its body.
And at 11:59 pm on the dot, Countdown Cod will be lowered
to the ground at the precise speed of one foot per second. When the cod
completes its descent at midnight, the fireworks display will commence
over Oyster Pond to welcome in the New Year. You have to see this!
*COPYRIGHT
NOTICE - COUNTDOWN COD IS REGISTERED WITH THE UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT
OFFICE. THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER RETAINS THE RIGHTS TO ANY AND ALL IMAGES.
Photo by Janice Rogers
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Cape
Cod Opera The Cape Cod Opera will perform on Tuesday, December 30 at 7:30 pm at the Methodist Church. This performance requires a First Night Chatham button. Join them to Celebrate Music from the 40's (1840 & 1940) from Broadway, the Opera, and Operetta. Cast includes Lucy Banner, pianist; Diana Toscano, soprano; Martha Evans, mezzo-soprano; Ray Bauwen, tenor; and Thomas Crumb, baritone. Photo: Bob Alexander |
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The Town Photo and
Lighthouse Tour At the same time and in the
same place, the Coast Guard Auxilliary will conduct tours of the
Chatham Lighthouse from Noon to 2:00 pm. You will enjoy the view
from the top! |
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Carnival
Caper Road Race |
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• Photos on this page by photographers Bob Alexander, Janet diMatteo, and Dani Krash.
Ice Carving
Chip Koser comes to Chatham to demonstrate the fascinating art of ice
carving. He will carve in the parking lot of Town Hall and no button is
required.
Chain Saw Sculpture
New this year. Ross MacVicar shows the First Night Chatham crowd how a
chain saw and a great imagination, coupled with skill, and a keen sense
of safety, can turn an ordinary tree into a fabulous creation at the parking
lot of Town Hall.
Horse
and Wagon Rides
Grab a ride on Main Street at Town Hall beginning
at 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Ride through town the old fashioned way, slowly,
taking in all the sights, sounds, and beauty of Chatham in winter.
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No Button Required Events
At the Atrium -- Hear the soothing
and happysounds of the Pans in Paradise Steel Drums, watch the amazing
Chatham Lightfoots jumping rope team, marvel at the Harwich Junior Theater
jugglers, and enjoy everyone's long time favorite dixieland band, The
Monomoy 6 .
At the Atwood House Museum -- The Chatham Historical Society will show the silent film, Partners of the Tide, based on the Joseph Lincoln book, ar 1:15 pm and 2:45 pm (50 minutes). Buttons not required. Museum galleries open.
Noise
Parade and Bonfire
The Noise Parade is a major component of the First Night tradition. Children
and adults parade through town wearing costumes and sounding the loudest
noisemakers possible. Assemble at 6:30 pm at the Methodist Church on Main
Street, amble around the rotary to Stage Harbor Road, and complete the
route to the Oyster Pond beach. Local merchants are likely to have a full
stock of lightsticks, hats, and noisemakers. At the Oyster Pond, a bonfire
awaits the paraders to celebrate a fitting end to scheduled kid's events
at First Night Chatham.
Cirque du Jour
A very entertaining circus that is enjoyed by adults as well as children
of any age! The Cirque du Jour features clowns, animals, aerialists, jugglers,
and amazing feats that you will not believe. In the afternoon and evening
at Chatham High School.
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Special Happenings
for Kids
Kid's Art Studio
This year's studio will take place at Chatham Elementary
School and is a return to the fun and simpler times of the 40s with basic
craft materials and the power of kids' imaginations. Using corks, bottle
caps, cardboard, simple projects using kid power will emerge to be treasured.
A very popular activity in prior years, the studio welcomes kids from
3 pm to 6 pm. After the studio, kids could walk down to the rotary to
join in the Noise Parade on the turn to the Oyster Pond beach, or could
join in at the beginning point of the parade at the Methodist Church.
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Check at Headquarters for the Program Brochure |
•
The Bubble Guy - Keith Michael Johnson
• Eldredge Library Events
-- including The Elbows
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Rick Goldin Puppets
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Toe Jam Puppet Band
• Karaoke for Kids and Marcus
the Magician at Chatham Bars Inn's Monomoy Hall
• Face Painting
• Model Railroad Layout
• Ring the Bell at St. Christopher's
Church
• Bubblewrap Stomp
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