Pro Portsmouth Unveils First Night Portsmouth 2017 Logo

PORTSMOUTH, NH — And then there was one ... the only First Night celebration in the State of NH kicked off the countdown to First Night with Pro Portsmouth unveiling their First Night Portsmouth Logo at 250 Market, the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside, earlier this month, according to a press statement. The logo artwork selected for First Night Portsmouth was created by Kelsey Roy; the logo will appear on all First Night Buttons and merchandise.

Roy is a 2015 graduate of Fitchburg State and currently works as a graphic designer on the Seacoast. Second place was awarded to Katie Hansen and third to Kate O’Shea Leith.

Back by Popular Demand

The Shareholders’ Community Initiative for First Night returns with the featured “Show Us the Button” program. Businesses are encouraged to purchase shares and offer specials to those showing them the First Night Button during the first quarter of 2017. According to Massar, it’s a way for businesses to support First Night and increase traffic to their restaurants and shops in the traditionally quiet, post-holiday period. A special “Show Us the Button” web page will link all participating shareholders to their respective sites as well as note all specials available to those wearing the Button. Individuals and businesses – large and small – are encouraged to sign on as First Night Shareholders. Depending on levels, shareholders receive benefits such as web logo and links, inclusion in eNewsletters and banners at the event on Dec. 31.

Shares’ information is available at proportsmouth.org/shareholders.cfm.

Another benefit of the Shareholders’ program is the Fire & Ice Certificate.

“It’s been lots of fun. People buy a First Night “share” and they receive a certificate acknowledging their support and ownership in the Fireworks Display and Ice Sculpture,” noted Executive Director Barbara Massar. “On occasion, the share is given as a gift…you give us the name and we’ll create the certificate for you.”

As part of “Show Us the Button,” First Nighters’ presenting their First Night Buttons at the Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond will receive $1 off their skate from 4 through 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2016.

“We’re at Strawbery Banke in June for the Market Square Day 10K and now we’re creating a new tradition…back at the Museum on the last day of the year,” noted Massar.

Current Sponsors and Shareholders include: Atlas Pyrovision, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Lyons Law Offices, Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside, Cummings, Lamont & McNamee, Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service, Infinite Imaging, ad cetera Graphics, and Harbourlight Strategic Marketing.

We Need You!

Additional Corporate Sponsors and Underwriters are also being sought to support the event as well as the annual program of events. Including the cost of fireworks, ice sculpture and performances the organization needs to raise $40K.

“Over the years, First Night Portsmouth has become another destination event on the Seacoast,” Massar said. “We are able to attract and entertain not only our friends and neighbors, but people who travel from all over the country to spend the holidays with us, enjoy great music, restaurants and hotels. But in order to keep the event on the calendar, we need everyone’s support.”

Pro Portsmouth believes that this event is vital to the continued success enjoyed by Portsmouth as a destination for family, friends and neighbors from down the street and around the world.

First Nighters will be able to enjoy a wide range of music and dance. The Button is your pass to hours of great entertainment from 4pm to midnight on December 31st. The Button is now available online at proportsmouth.org. In Portsmouth, the Button may be purchased at the Hannaford’s (Pic ‘n Pay) on Islington Street, G.Willikers! (on Market Street) and Diversions/Portsmouth (Congress Street).

Pro Portsmouth is also offering online only specials including the ‘Stocking Stuffer’ and Two-Fer for First Night Buttons; both specials end on Dec. 27.

It takes upwards of 75 Volunteers to make First Night happen. All Volunteers receive the exclusive First Night Volunteer Sweatshirt. To be a part of this great celebration as a Volunteer, contact Jennifer Salchunas at 603-433-4398 Ext. 4 or volunteer@proportsmouth.org .

For more information on First Night and all Pro Portsmouth, Inc. events visit the website at proportsmouth.org or call 603-433-4398 Ext. 3.

Submitted by Pro Portsmouth.