First Night Montgomery Moves To Gaithersburg For Millennium Celebration; Little Feat Announced As Headline Entertainers

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CORRECTED VERSION

For Immediate Release: October 7, 1999 99-356A
Contact: Bob Metz, 301-650-7012;
Gail Ewing, 301-424-9272

FIRST NIGHT MONTGOMERY
MOVES TO GAITHERSBURG
FOR MILLENNIUM CELEBRATION;
"LITTLE FEAT" ANNOUNCED AS HEADLINE ENTERTAINERS

Due to the accelerated pace of redevelopment construction in downtown Silver Spring, the First Night Montgomery County Board of Directors announced today that the county's First Night millennium celebration will be held at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, on December 31, 1999.

"Although we'd planned to have First Night in Silver Spring this year," said Robert H. Metz, Board co-chair, "we also knew that at some point, the construction would not allow us to do that. Relocating the celebration now helps ensure that we continue the tradition of putting on a top-quality First Night celebration in Montgomery County."

"In fact," Metz added, "the success that First Night Montgomery has enjoyed since it began five years ago is due to the tremendous cooperation we've received from the Silver Spring community."

As a reflection of that support, the Board passed a resolution affirming its commitment to return to Silver Spring as soon as the construction schedule allows.

"This celebration belongs in Silver Spring," said Gail Ewing, Board co-chair, "and the redeveloped downtown area will only make the First Night experience even better."

County Executive Douglas M. Duncan said, "We've made this temporary move due to the construction that is bringing new life to Silver Spring. I support and commend the First Night Board for its commitment to bring this major event back to Silver Spring as soon as possible."

First Night Montgomery County is the family-oriented, non-alcoholic celebration of the performing and visual arts which features entertainment for all ages and two laser/fireworks displays - at 6 p.m. and midnight, which began in Montgomery County in 1995.

First Night officials said that the Fairgrounds, while offering a different type of setting for the celebration, will provide the same type of venues for the variety of acts and demonstrations that First Night features. As in past years, the celebration will feature children's programs, activities and entertainment from 3 to 6 p.m., concluding with a laser show and fireworks at 6 p.m. Evening activities will begin at 7 p.m., ending with a grand millennium celebration laser/fireworks show at midnight.

"Plans are also underway, " Metz said, "to provide free shuttle service from convenient locations to the Fairgrounds, plus there will be on site parking. We appreciate the support we've gotten from the Agricultural Center officials and staff and will be working with municipal officials and the business community in the area to make this a memorable millennium celebration for everyone who attends."

For more information, call Bob Metz at 301-650-7012 or Gail Ewing at 301-424-9272.

"Little Feat" tops entertainment bill Topping the list of entertainers for the First Night Montgomery Millennium celebration is the '70's hit group, "Little Feat." Their "eclectic music incorporates every major American. Musical style, including blues, country, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll." Among the other acts appearing are The Seldom Scene and DaVinci's Notebook, in addition to a blues stage, Latin/salsa entertainment, swing band, comedy tent and a teen tent, featuring top teen bands from Montgomery County. For more information on First Night Montgomery County entertainment, call the Recreation Department Special Events Line at 240-777-6821; or online at www. co.mo.md.us/services/rec/fnm.html.

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