Again From the Top!" Celebrate New Year's Eve in The District on Dec. 31st. The 5K Run/Walk begins at 4 p.m. in front of Cyclextreme. Doors open at 6:30. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m. (Teen Venue opens at 6:00 and begins at 6:30).

What does Christine Balfa, the daughter of Cajun legend, Dewey Balfa, fireworks, hula hoops, fire twirling, a gold medal winning, international woman magician, a children's dance party and Sutu Forte have in common? You will find all of that and more at First Night Columbia! Ring in the New Year with family and friends at the celebration that marks the passage of time through the arts! Revelers can travel from one location to the next enjoying multiple performances, dancing, activities and art for all ages at 12 venues in downtown Columbia.

Young revelers can visit the "Create and Celebrate" art area and participate in their own procession at 9:15 p.m. that leads to the children's finale featuring entertainment, a countdown and fireworks display. Teen bands will perform at the First Christian Church throughout the night. At 11:30 p.m., all ages will enjoy the People's Procession that will lead revelers from the Missouri Theater to the finale at Courthouse Square with entertainment, a countdown and spectacular fireworks at midnight (weather permitting).

Admission buttons purchased prior to the event are $8 for those 8 years and older and will be $10 at the door at specified locations only. Buttons will be available Dec.15th at the Columbia Parks and Recreation office at #1 South 7th Street, the ARC, Streetside Records and Gerbes Supermarkets. Call 874-7460 or visit the Web site at www.firstnightcolumbia.org for information.

Columbia Transit busses will run a shuttle route that winds through the First Night footprint from 7:00 p.m - 12:30 a.m. Parking garages are located at Sixth, Eighth, 10th and Cherry and Eighth and Walnut. Streets around the courthouse will be closed during fireworks displays.

All venues are smoke and alcohol free.