(Fredericksburg)- The City of Fredericksburg says it will not hold First Night Fredericksburg this year, on December 31, 2015.
City officials say the current Riverfront Park has proven to be unsuitable due to its small size. With the continuing restricted activity around the former Masonic Lodge, it’s just not possible to have enough land area to hold the diverse variety of activities in a manner that provides adequate separation and safety. City officials and staff reviewed feedback from attendees at last year’s event who overwhelmingly expressed disappointment at the event’s footprint.
Also, Shiloh Baptist Church-Old Site will hold the community-wide New Year’s Eve prayer service. The church is right next door to the Riverfront Park. “It’s important to be good neighbors,” said City Manager Beverly Cameron, “and while we don’t want to suspend the event, we can’t proceed this year without compromising the church’s ability to enjoy a peaceful and solemn religious service.”
Cameron says the City plans to suspend First Night Fredericksburg this year only. “We’ll take a year off, re-group, and re-energize the event for next year,” he said.