BRISTOL — The Watershed Center invites revelers of all ages to celebrate New Year’s Eve in downtown Bristol as the community marks the arrival of 2014 with Best Night, a gathering of the region’s favorite musicians, storytellers and other artists.
The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with hat-making, face-painting and other family fun at Holley Hall. As the last hours of 2013 unfold, live music from local stars like the Swing Peepers, Padulabaum, DaddyLongLegs, Of the Flow, Julie James, and the Benoits will spread along Main Street while acclaimed performers like Rik Palieri, Diana Bigelow & Jim Stapleton, and more entertain with tales and other offerings. In between, hungry merrymakers can refuel at a feast of soups, snacks, baked treats and other necessities served at the Baptist Church and Holley Hall and get a chance to win a beautiful hand-carved bowl created from maple harvested on Bristol’s Waterworks preserve.
Best Night is a project of the Watershed Center, which is dedicated to building new ties between neighbors and maintaining a strong, vibrant Five-Towns community. It’s a once-a-year opportunity to get out and celebrate the season, see good friends, and make new ones while savoring our area’s lively local arts scene. Like the diverse local people and places the Watershed Center celebrates throughout the year, there’s plenty for everyone young and old at this annual town-wide gala — from Scottish dance songs and American roots music to dramatic readings and incredible storytelling.
From 6-10 p.m., Best Night 2014 will fill Bristol with sights and sounds at the Walkover Gallery, Holley Hall, and the Baptist Church. Admitting wristbands are $8 before Dec. 25 and $10 after, and are available at Kimball’s Office Supplies, Art on Main, Cubbers, Emerald Rose,?Bristol Bakery, and Mountain Greens. For more information and a complete schedule of events visit www.bestnight.org.