Thousands Gather Downtown To Ring In 2014
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Welcome 2014!
Here in Pittsburgh, thousands gathered downtown Tuesday night for the 20th First Night Pittsburgh celebration, which seems to get bigger each and every year.
Countdown To 2014!
From the parade with giant puppets to the mega ice maze to the mesmerizing Steel Town Fire dancers, Highmark First Night Pittsburgh really wowed the crowds.
For those who wanted to get close to fire themselves, there were warm-up barrels. One man was taking advantage of them by toasting marshmallows.
"It's a great place to stand 'cause you can stay warm," said John Principe, of Grove City.
KDKA's David Highfield: "So you can kill two birds with one stone - roasting, warm."
Principe: "Correct! I love it!"
Another way to warm up - dancing in the streets. And for that you need music, which was provided by local band Nomad.
KDKA's David Highfield Reports:
But if it was too cold outside, you could head indoors to one of the countless art galleries open in the Cultural District.
"Ninety percent of our events in the venues are actually indoors," said Darcey Kucenik, the director of First Night Pittsburgh. "So, while there's tons of stuff to see outside and big giant things to see outside, there's plenty, plenty to do inside."
There's plenty for kids, too. Like the early fireworks for those whose bedtimes might be a little before midnight. Then, there's the kids crafts tent where little Olivia made herself a hat for the festivities.
Highfield: "Are you an artist?"
Olivia: "Yeah."
Highfield: "How old are you?"
Olivia: "I'm 3."
KDKA's David Highfield Reports:
We even ran into a New Yorker who's here visiting, and she was impressed.
Highfield: "How does this compare to Times Square?"
Chris Schatz: "Mellow. We like mellow. It's insane."
We also found local folks visiting for First Night for the first time.
"We've never been here before, it's our first night," said Amy Harris, of Springdale. "It's pretty awesome!"
KDKA's Marty Griffin Reports:
"This is my first First Night," added Megan Hill, of Wilkinsburg. "I think it's beautiful - a lot of people out, lots to see."
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