Families & friends from around Burlington County and beyond will be roaring into 2010, the "Year of the Tiger" in historic downtown Mount Holly.

This New Year's Eve, Mount Holly hosts the eleventh annual First Night Burlington County, a substance-free gala of performing and visual arts that takes place in and among the historic buildings of our county seat. The Year of the Tiger will open with several artists' homage to the Tiger, the Chinese horoscope's symbol for the upcoming year. During the week leading up to the event, local students are teaming with area artists to paint several downtown store windows in a Tiger motif. A Tiger sculpture will be carved by Cater 2U at the Gazebo on 30 December. And on New Year's Eve, children can decorate Tiger masks and participate in a Stuff-a-Tiger workshop (coupon required).

First Night Burlington County 2010 Entry Buttons are on sale now in Mount Holly at the Cobbler Shop, Red White & Brew, Horsefeathers, and Pinelands Music, as well as on-line. Buttons are being sold for $10, and $5 for kids ten and under. As an incentive to buy Entry Buttons early, the first 150 families will get a Stuff-a-Tiger coupon. On 31 December, the Entry Buttons will allow attendees into a multitude of entertainment venues. A variety of music (Rock, Jazz, Celtic) is scheduled for performances through the evening. The Burlington County College Mount Holly Center will be done up in a safari theme, with costumed characters, an air brush tattoo artist, entertainment, refreshments, and give-aways. A DJ will party outside. There will be a model railroad exhibit at St. Andrew's fellowship hall, and tours of the Burlington County Historic Prison Museum. Tiger cupcakes will be on sale until 6:00 at Red Carpet Cakes (32 Mill St.). Street performers will be outside several venues, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. And, of course, what kind of New Year's Eve would it be without fireworks? A fireworks show is scheduled at 9:15, visible from High Street. For more information about this event, and how you can support downtown revitalization in Mount Holly, log onto www.MainStreetMountHolly.com.

Here are the Whens & Wheres of this year's First Night Burlington County: (click to view printable schedule)

A. BCC Mt. Holly Center: New Year's Eve in Mount Holly kicks off at 4:00 with our annual Pet Parade, starting at the intersection of Rancocas Road, High Street and Garden Street (outside Friends Meeting) and "going for a walk" down to Mill Street. A DJ will emcee the judging, and entertain all evening. From 6:00 to 9:00 PM, join the "safari" inside and enjoy sand art, balloons, costumed characters, refreshments, and give-aways.

B. BCC Student Gallery & Art Store: Like a luxurious dram of Irish cream, Charlie Zahm will perform Celtic & folk music from 6:00 to 9:00PM.

C. All-in-One Baskets: The first 150 families that buy Entry Buttons will get a coupon to participate in a Stuff-a-Tiger workshop, and the children get to keep their Tiger! Outside (or inside if inclement weather), enjoy the clever antics of puppeteer Patrick Ahearn.

D. Daily Grind: EdGe will perform their own brand of Rock music from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, and hot coffee and refreshments will be available for purchase.

E. Gazebo: Bring a camera, and take a holiday photo of your family in front of our Tiger's Lair ice sculpture.

F. High Street Art & Framing: Kids can make their own Tiger mask, and see it displayed around downtown during January. At the Fire & Ice Festival on 30 January, they will be judged for cash prizes.

G. Friends Meeting: Rhythm Kitchen will lead a participatory drumming workshop at 5:30 and 7:15PM. And if you're ready to bring in the New Year laughing, enjoy comedian Bill Keller at 6:30 and 8:00PM.

H. Masonic Foyer: Outside (or inside, if inclement weather) The Amazing Larry Vee will perform fire juggling and other amazing acts from 6:00 to 7:30PM, and Vaudeville performer Garrett will entertain children of all ages from 8:00 to 8:40PM.

I. Masonic Lodge: Longtime favorite Johnny Cee will perform his magic act at 6:30 PM. Jeff Ray and Toddy J. will provide their cool sounds of folk & classic rock at 6:45, and Jennifer Fritz will sing to live and recorded accompaniment at 8:00 PM. Hot dogs, sandwiches and drinks will be for sale at this venue.

J. Saint Andrew's Sanctuary: You can meditate on the rock sounds of Hall of Mirrors at 5:00 and 6:00PM. The Ben Sutin Trio group belts out smooth jazz at 7:00 and 8:00PM.

K. Saint Andrew's Fellowship Hall: An extensive model railroad exhibit will be open from 4:00 to 7:00PM.

L. Burlington County Historic Prison Museum: Due to popular demand, the Parks Department Staff once again hosts Tours of this landmark building from 4:00 to 7:00PM. Entrance is free then with a First Night Burlington County 2010 Entry Button.

Tips for Attendees!

What's New? New Year's Eve in Mount Holly, NJ is a chance to enjoy entertainment that you know and love, and to sample some visual and performing arts that you've never seen or heard. This year, we're introducing some new performing artists, a model railroad exhibit, and several kids arts workshops.

Dress for Success! Although you'll see some tuxedos drop in, the word is weather-smart casual. You'll want to wear comfortable shoes and layers of clothing to accommodate both our indoor and outdoor venues.

First Night Burlington County 2010 Entry Buttons will be required for all indoor venues. Entry Buttons are for sale at Mount Holly at Pinelands Music (11 White Street), Red White & Brew (33 High Street), Horsefeathers (40 High Street), and the Cobbler Shop (101 High Street), as well as on-line. Please note: there are no refunds, and no rain date.

Food and Refreshments will be for sale at various downtown locations, and at the Masonic Lodge. Our better downtown shops will be open until 9:00PM that evening.

Road Closures. Portions of High Street and other roads will be closed to vehicular traffic for our event. But remember, there is always plenty of free parking in downtown Mount Holly!

First Night Burlington County 2010 is organized by Main Street Mount Holly, a volunteer-driven nonprofit whose mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our historic downtown. Major Sponsors include Burlington County College, Virtua Hospital, and the Mount Holly Urban Enterprise Zone. Other Sponsors include Rancocas Communities Aligned for Substance Awareness, Phoenix Advisors, Rotary Club of Mount Holly, TD Bank, Burlington County Division of Cultural Affairs & Tourism, Mount Holly Recreation Committee, LGR Group, Saint Andrews Church, RYEBREAD Architects, Ed's Tailor Shop, and Loving Pet Products.

Special thanks also must go to the Township of Mount Holly, our Police & Fire Departments, and all our FNBC Talent, Venues and Volunteers. This couldn't happen without you!

For More Information about First Night Burlington County 2010, log onto www.MainStreetMountHolly.com, or call (609)261-2611.