First Night Saratoga has become a tradition for many in the 12 years since its inception.

This New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts, sponsored by the YMCA of Saratoga, looks to bring out about 14,000 spectators.

The fireworks display will still be at the High Rock Avenue and Lake Avenue location for the midnight send-off.

Maureen Duda, community events coordinator for the YMCA, said people can purchase the First Night button until Dec. 31. The button, which costs $13, gets people into more than 35 venues throughout the city and children under the age of 5 are free.

“Sales are right on target,” Duda said of the buttons. “Some places have been restocked.”

Duda said First Night Saratoga has grown in 12 years to become the largest New Year’s Eve gathering in New York outside Time Square and this year will be the sole First Night in the Capital-Saratoga region.

“We have everything for a splendid New Year’s,” Duda said.

Duda said people can volunteer up to the day of the event too.

She said they help the night be a success. They serve as hosts and hostesses at the more than 35 performance venues. Volunteers have a three-hour shift from 9 to 11:40 p.m.

About 300 people have volunteered so far. Duda said each volunteer receives a First Night button so they can enjoy themselves when their shift is over.

She said there are plenty of visual performances and arts. There is even a kayak demonstration at the YMCA’s new pool on West Avenue. CDTA will be shuttling people from the YMCA, the Saratoga Springs High School and downtown through the event, so people don’t have to worry about parking.

Duda said General Electric is the signature sponsor of the event and will have an imagination board outside the City Center during the event.

She said Beekman Street will be like a mini-First Night with the galleries and shops open and horse mosaic being put together at Frankie Flores studio.

The Arts Council will have an Independent Film Festival on First Night as well.

Duda reminds people to dress warmly and plan out a few venues to hit incase are crowded.

For further information, visit the website at www.ymcasaratoga.org , or call Helen Leonowitz at the YMCA of Saratoga Development Office at 583-9622 x134.