First Night will be a cold night

By John Drake, Globe Staff

Ice sculptures should hold up all day during the city's First Night festivities, with temperatures expected to dip into the low teens as an estimated million people crowd Boston to ring in the New Year.

City and First Night officials said today the $1.3 million party will include 200 performances and exhibits in 40 venues.

The only question, they said, is whether the winds on what is expected to be a blustery day will force cancellation of the two fireworks displays planned for the evening.

In addition to the chilly temperatures, 2 to 4 inches of snow are expected overnight Tuesday and Wednesday morning, which Transportation Commission Tom Timlin said adds to the array of reasons to take public transportation into the city.

Parking will be limited and traffic will be diverted around events, but MBTA service will be free after 8 p.m. and offering expanded routes.

First Night organizers are again urging people to buy First Night buttons for $18 to underwrite the cost of the event. Officials say since the buttons are sold at various convenience stores and other outlets across the city, it is difficult to assess sales totals until after the new year.

On-line button sales, which last year accounted for 5 percent of the total, were up 44 percent from last year, said Geri Guardino, executive director of First Night.

Joyce Linehan of First Night will answer questions about preparations for the celebration during a boston.com chat at 2 p.m. today.

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