Central New Yorkers ring in the New Year at ‘First Night’ with Hanson

Liverpool (WSYR-TV) – Families gathered at Onondaga Lake Park to ring in 2014 during the ‘First Night’ celebration. The night featured the band Hanson, who entertained a very cold crowd that battled the elements to celebrate the New Year.

Hanson attracted people to Syracuse from Pittsburgh, Boston, Rhode Island, Nova Scotia, and beyond.

Devoted Hanson fans were among the first to arrive at ‘First Night’ to claim the front row. Among them, Gemma Martin from the southern tip of Spain, who traveled all the way to Central New York to catch the performance.

“I’m used to it. I have to travel a lot for them because they don’t come anywhere near me so, I have to travel. Wherever they go, I’ll follow,” Martin said.

Workers used sandbags to withstand the bitter wind as families filled the park.

The band admitted they had never played in conditions quite like Central New York, but were ready to give fans a great show.

“We have never played an outdoor show in this temperature before, but you know we like a challenge,” said Zac Hanson. “Syracuse fans seem like they’re pumped. They are out there ready to go, so we are going to give them a good show.”

“New Year’s is always chilly, but this is definitely taking it up a notch,” said Taylor Hanson.

Heated tents offered fans relief from the cold and featured bubble tricks, laser tag and glow in the dark golf to keep people entertained as they waited for Hanson to take the stage.