Storm puts a damper on some festivities

Jahnaya Newton, 2, of Dorchester tried on a hat she made at a Children's Museum exhibit at the Hynes Convention Center. (Bill Greene/Globe Staff)

The year 2008 -- soured by economic recession, government scandals, and a losing football team -- left a nasty snowstorm as its final jab, dampening but not deterring First Night revelers across Massachusetts who celebrated the arrival of the new year.

In Boston, the early evening fireworks display went on as scheduled, satisfying at least one family that came from Newton for the show. "It would have been disappointing if they hadn't," said Robert Joseph, 58.

But the midnight show was canceled because strong winds and seas in Boston Harbor, where fireworks are launched, created a public safety threat, said Steve MacDonald, a Fire Department spokesman. It was the first time new year fireworks were canceled in recent memory, he said.

"They tried to do it, but the weather got the best of them," he said.

Fireworks in New Bedford were postponed, while Westwood and Chatham rescheduled their fireworks for today.

"The show must go on," said Robin Dziczek, a board member of First Night Worcester, which canceled two sets of fireworks because of high winds, but made sure roads were plowed and walkways cleared for parades and other festivities.

Thousands went to Boston Common and other parts of downtown, in spite of the weather, to cleanse themselves of 2008 and celebrate the arrival of 2009.

"The cultured community is out here, through rain, sleet, snow, and cold," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino, arriving in time for the Grand Procession down Boylston Street to Boston Common. "This is New England, not Miami, Fla. You expect this."

Joseph was glad he made the trip, a tradition for 10 years, with his family because he would not have come if fireworks were canceled.

"I’m glad they went for it," he said, marveling at the display.

A dreary day had been forecast, with heavy snow in the morning and afternoon and freezing temperatures in the evening into night. The brunt of the storm passed the area just after 4 p.m., leaving more than 6 inches in Boston. Southeastern Massachusetts seemed to be hit the worst, with up to 10 inches of snow falling in parts of Plymouth County. Kingston saw more than 11 inches, as the storm mixed with ocean air, said Nicole Belk, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boston.

The snow, falling at 1 to 2 inches an hour, caused slippery roads and slowed traffic. Lieutenant Eric Anderson of the State Police said the storm contributed to a 15-car crash on the Massachusetts Turnpike in the Grafton area, but no one was seriously injured. One woman was transported to a Worcester hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Throughout the day, traffic was slow but orderly, Anderson said, as employers let their workers leave early, alleviating congestion during rush hour.

City and state officials urged people to use public transportation during the evening and into the morning, as temperatures dropped and snow-covered streets started to freeze. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority extended subway service to 2:30 a.m.

Weather forecasts and First Night organizers also warned that wind gusts reaching up to 35 miles per hour could make temperatures feel as if they were below zero by midnight.

"As the night goes on, it’s going to get progressively worse," Belk said.

The weather helped to put a damper on some First Night activities. In Worcester, several afternoon events were canceled because entertainers could not make the drive into the city, Dziczek said. New Bedford's fireworks were postponed to Jan. 8.

In Boston, organizers said that the weather contributed to thinner crowds in the evening.

Steve Barton, a 40-year-old vendor from Maine who has sold glow sticks, hats, and new year glasses for the last several years, said crowds were sparse.

"Sales are way down from what I usually get," he said.

Earlier in the day, organizers had canceled some activities, including boat tours of Boston Harbor and a performance by the Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble.

And many chose to stay indoors for First Night activities, deciding to watch the Grand Procession from the Hynes Convention Center.

For Godwin Mulenga, 35, an immigrant from Zambia celebrating his first New Year’s Eve, and snowstorm, in America, the night brought a new sense of appreciation for things.

"People [here] just say 'Happy New Year' everywhere," he said. "There is this enormous sense of love, friendship, hope. We have much to be thankful for."

Globe correspondent Matt Byrne contributed to this report.