Countdown to ‘07

Between 25,000 and 30,000 people will head downtown tonight to attend First Night Spokane, the city’s New Year’s Eve music, arts and performance festival.

Bands, jugglers, artists, comedians, orchestras, filmmakers and choirs will be on the bill at 40-plus venues downtown beginning at 7 p.m., culminating in a big countdown and fireworks display at Riverfront Park at the stroke of midnight.

This will be preceded by Kids Night Out entertainment and activities for youngsters, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the new Spokane Convention Center.

Admission to all events is via a First Night button, available for $14 at the River Park Square atrium and other downtown venues.

Free parking with free shuttle service is available this year at two large lots: the giant Spokane Arena East lots (south of Boone Avenue between Howard and Washington) and Deaconess Medical Center’s parking garage, 910 W. Fifth Ave.

Park free in either lot and a shuttle will arrive every 10 minutes between 3 p.m. and 1 a.m. to take you downtown. These shuttles are also available to transport First Nighters from venue to venue. A route map is included with the program.