Mayor Michelle Wu and public safety officials gave an update on First Night Boston preparations on Monday morning.
Wu, Police Commissioner Michael Cox, Fire Commissioner Paul Burke, MBTA Police Chief Kenneth Green, Conventures Inc. President Dusty Rhodes and other key players all spoke at the press conference, spelling out what to expect and what rules are in place for this year's festivities.
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"We all know New Year's is upon us, and in Boston that also means another year of our very own special First Night celebration," Wu said.
First Night Boston kicks off at noon on Tuesday and runs right into the New Year, wrapping up at 12:30 a.m. on New Year's Day. There will be activities and entertainment for the whole family, along with ice sculptures, a parade, a laser and pyrotechnic show and two separate fireworks displays.
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For the second year in a row, the festivities will be centered around City Hall Plaza.
"Ringing in the New Year in the community starts with keeping ourselves and one another safe," Wu said.
She said Boston police and all first responders will be working throughout all of the events to make sure everything goes off safely.
Wu issued a reminder that fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts, and urged people not to drink alcohol or consume other substances in public spaces where they are not allowed.
The MBTA will be increasing service and will be free to everyone starting at 8 p.m. on New Year's Eve, and she urged people to use public transportation if at all possible.
Green added that consumption of alcohol and unruly behavior on the T will not be tolerated.
Cox warned people against bringing drones or using them in the area of the First Night festivities, and asked anyone who observes any large or unruly parties to call police.
Burke said there will be extra fire staffing, and some equipment will be centered around First Night areas because road closures will make those spaces difficult to access. And he said there will be extra fire inspectors working to make sure nightclubs and bars are complying with their occupancy limits.
"First Night is really a nation-leading effort, and it started and has remained centered on highlighting the incredible creativity of our community," Wu said, in closing. "That has always been at its core, and it wouldn't be possible without the artists continuing year after year."
