First Night Springfield, Springfield's most-attended public event to celebrate New Year's Eve, will host a 5K race this year. The run and walk will take place around the Scheels store off of MacArthur Boulevard. It's a new addition to the roster of activities that include various arts performances. The race will take place on December 29th.
Craig McFarland, President of the Springfield Area Arts Council which hosts First Night, says the group wanted to attract those in the community concerned with health and wellness: "Arts are for everyone and so what we wanted to do was broaden our base, we wanted to reach a new audience."
Fireworks this year will be moved to 8 o'clock New Year's Eve night. A buffet dinner will also be available - tickets must be purchased in advance.
