Join Seton Family at First Night 2009 December 24, 2008

For the second year in a row, the Seton Family of Hospitals invites you to join us at First Night Austin 2009, a unique art-inspired festival welcoming the new year. This year Seton is sponsoring the Afternoon Family Festival from 3 to 6 p.m., which offers many activities for all ages and suitable for families with children. It's alcohol-free and this year showcases more than 800 local performers and visual artists. Child-friendly activities include a variety of hands-on workshops along with puppets, aerialists, dancers, music plus festive hats and origami cranes. A Family Finale at 7:30 p.m at City Hall allows youngsters to experience their own version of ringing in the New Year.

More than 100,000 area residents are expected to celebrate the coming of the New Year in downtown Austin. Entertainment covers several downtown locations including City Hall, the Second Street Shopping District, the South First Street Bridge and Auditorium Shores.

First Night Celebrations

The original First Night was created by a group of community-minded artists in Boston who wanted a citywide celebration of the New Year and a meaningful alternative to traditional revelry. Now it has spread to 120 cities in the US, Canada and New Zealand. First Night Austin is now the second largest First Night in the world out of cities participating in the celebration.

Each city develops its own version of the celebration based on its own culture and artistic diversity.

Schedule of Events:

Check the First Night Austin 2009 Web site for location and parking plus detailed information about this year's event program, a timeline for events, an event map and practical information such as parking, weather and amenities to make your visit enjoyable.

The Healing Properties of Art

The Seton Family believes there is a strong connection between art and health care. Art promotes healing and has become an important part of the surroundings in Seton hospital facilities. A recent English published review of medical literature from 1990 through 2004 determined that visual arts and music had positive effects in reducing anxiety and depression in several important medical areas, including cancer care, cardiovascular care, intensive care, medical procedures and surgery.

GoodHealth.com Sponsors Food Court

Again this year, the Food Court is sponsored by GoodHealth.com and the Seton Family of Hospitals. It will be located along Cesar Chavez on west side of the triangle of the First Street Bridge triangle. You can enjoy Austin-style food from local vendors and sit in convenient cafe areas. All proceeds from The GoodHealth.com Food Court will benefit First Night Austin. Take an opportunity to sample unique Austin fare in an alcohol-free environment. In addition, most area restaurants will be open for business.

Sponsorship of the Food Court is consistent with GoodHealth.com's mission to help improve family health with information about healthy living from nutrition and fitness to mind and body.

3:00 to 6:00 p.m.	Family Festival
6:00 to 7:00 p.m.	Grand Procession
7:30 p.m.	Family Finale at City Hall
8:00 p.m. to Midnight	Evening Events
Midnight	Grand Finale Fireworks

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