Independent Health Foundation 'First Night Buffalo at Home' has robust virtual entertainment lineup; family party packs at Tops

First Night also kicks-off Independent Health Foundation’s 30th anniversary celebration in 2022

The Independent Health Foundation, in partnership with John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, recently announced the full, virtual lineup of performances and activities for “First Night Buffalo at Home,” which will be accessible online for free on New Year’s Eve. First Night family party packs, including goodies for a family of four to celebrate the new year at home, are on sale at select Tops Friendly Markets, both for in-store and online purchases.

First Night Buffalo, one of Independent Health Foundation’s signature events, will mark its 33rd year as a family-friendly engagement full of activities and entertainment. As the event that led to the establishment of the Independent Health Foundation in 1992, First Night also marks the beginning of a yearlong celebration of the Independent Health Foundation’s 30th anniversary in 2022.

“As we look forward to a joyful holiday season, we’re excited to bring First Night Buffalo to families’ homes through free, virtual access to our entertaining lineup of performers. Plus, the family party packs available at Tops Friendly Markets make for an affordable add-on to the online performances,” said Carrie Meyer, executive director, Independent Health Foundation. “The roots of the Independent Health Foundation originally grew from First Night Buffalo 30 years ago, and we look forward to continuing to help our community get and stay healthy for many years to come.”

Oishei Children’s Hospital has teamed up with the Independent Health Foundation to provide First Night programming for families to enjoy from the safety of their homes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“Our priority remains keeping our community’s kids safe and healthy, so we are excited to once again partner with the Independent Health Foundation to bring a safe New Year’s celebration opportunity to families in Western New York,” said Allegra Jaros, president, Oishei Children’s Hospital.

‘First Night Buffalo at Home’ lineup of Performers & Activities

All videos and interactive activities will be available at www.firstnightbuffalo.org on Dec. 31. The cast of performers includes:

•Jeff Musial – Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics: Jeff and his exotic animals are back. Join us on the wild side – come see the animals; stay for amazing facts and great jokes.

•Nick Presents Magic: Nick’s show is an interactive magic and comedy experience for everyone to enjoy – prepare to watch the magic unfold before your eyes.

•Dance Party with DJ Milk: Plug in that disco light bulb, grab those glow sticks and let’s move! Groove with DJ Milk as he plays favorite tunes.

•In Jest with Nels Ross: Get ready for a comedy juggling show – and grab those juggling scarves TO learn how to juggle.

•Emmalee’s Memories: Moana, Rapunzel and Spiderman are here to ring in 2022. Get ready to sing, dance and move.

•Slyboots Circus: Join Slyboots Circus as it teaches the art of drumming and dance. Travel the world and learn more about culture from Ghana.

•Squiggly Art Face Painting: Grab that face paint as Tanitra will show how to create a masterpiece in minutes. She has designs the whole family will enjoy.

•Adam Kreutinger: The Puppet Nerd: Learn how to make a paper puppet and meet some of Adam’s amazing creations. Be on the lookout for more puppet appearances throughout the show.

First Night Buffalo Family Party Packs

Families can purchase First Night Buffalo family party packs for $20 at participating Tops Friendly Markets with everything a family of four needs to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home – and include free admission to the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights in Hamburg. Kits contain: party hats, noisemakers, juggling scarves, a disco ball light bulb, neon facepaint, temporary tattoos, balloon drop, glow sticks and balloon animals.

The First Night Buffalo family party packs will also be available when making online purchases at Tops by visiting the e-catering site at www.shop.topsmarkets.com.

The first-ever virtual First Night Buffalo last year was an incredible success, with:

√ Nearly 24,000 family members throughout Western New York viewing the virtual entertainment;

√ Nearly 7,000 celebrating New Year’s Eve with the First Night Buffalo family party pack; and

√ More than 95% of families who participated in First Night last year responding to a survey asking for a virtual entertainment program again this year.

Independent Health Foundation Celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2022

The Independent Health Foundation works to improve the health and well-being of Western New York residents through awareness, prevention, education and other programs focused on community health priorities. For more information about the Independent Health Foundation’s activities, visit www.independenthealth.com/foundation.

The Independent Health Foundation was founded in 1992 after the original organizers of First Night Buffalo asked Independent Health to become a sponsor. After the third year of First Night, the Independent Health Foundation was founded to begin producing the event – and has continued to do so for the past 30 years.

The Independent Health Foundation will celebrate its 30th anniversary with events and activities beginning with “First Night Buffalo at Home” and throughout 2022.