MONTPELIER – What do Michael Jackson and The Starline Rhythm Boys have in common? They both know how to heat up a dance floor and both will be rockin’ Montpelier’s First Night celebration!

Delivering a gutbucket mix of Bakersfield-styled honky-tonk and '50s rockabilly, the Starline Rhythm Boys will headline the New Year’s Eve Dance Party at City Hall from 9 – Midnight. And down the street at Union School, a Michael Jackson Tribute will include the best dance tunes from “The King of Pop’s” 40-year career plus a live performance by local musicians and dancers.

For one admission price, First Night button holders will have their choice of more than 40 performances and activities throughout the Capital City.

Activities begin at 1 p.m. when button holders can take advantage of free ice skating at the Central Vermont Civic Center, xcountry skiing at the Morse Farm Nordic Center or swimming at First in Fitness.

Among the new additions to this year’s program is a Teddy Bear Picnic. Youngsters are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal to St. Augustine’s Church from 2 - 3:30 p.m. for a teddy bear parade, fashion show, games and picnic treats.

Performances get underway in eleven downtown venues at 4 p.m.

The famous disco ball will again dazzle festival goers throughout the city. Marko the Magician, Willem Lange, and the Vermont Philharmonic are among the performers returning to Montpelier this year while several other acts will be making first-time appearances. Folk singer/songwriter Anaïs Mitchell will bring her awardwinning talent to the Unitarian Church for one show at First Night. Eric McDermott and the Dixie Red Delights recently returned from concerts in Ireland and Nashville. They will perform their unique blend of fire-grass, Americana and altcountry rock in two shows at the Trinity Church.

Kids of all ages will enjoy No Strings Marionettes performance of “Jack & the Beanstalk” as well as Rob Mermin’s Soap Bubble Circus. The ReStore will provide their popular hatmaking workshop. People can also make noisemakers for the community procession to the State House lawn and the fireworks at 8:30 p.m.

Nearly 200 volunteers are needed for button sales, set-up, clean-up and office help. There are positions for individuals, couples and families. In exchange for working a twohour shift, volunteers receive a button for admission to all events plus a meal ticket for the First Night cantina. Contact Charlene McCarney at 229- 3228 or 485-8072 for information.

First Night buttons are on sale at locations throughout Central Vermont. Buttons purchased before December 31 are $12 for a single button and $40 for a family pass (4 buttons). Buttons purchased the day of the festival will be $15 for a single button and $13 per button for groups of four or more. Children 3 and under are admitted free of charge.

For more information on First Night Montpelier including a list of button locations and a complete schedule of events, visit www.MontpelierAlive.org.