What's Happening in Hartford, CT…

Hartford started the New Year with a new mayor, as well as a variety of First Night events.

Between 10,000 and 20,000 people turned out to celebrate the arrival of 2016. Brian J. Foley, deputy chief of the Hartford police, said there were officers and detectives to provide security, but he also felt the event was safe. He called it a family-friendly evening and said he had been bringing his family and friends to First Night for years.

New Hartford mayor, Luke Bronin, was sworn in at 12:01 am on January 1. He said that even though New Year’s Day is a holiday, he planned to be at work. The inauguration was celebrated with a fireworks display.

Others who were working hard included the Bushnell Park ice rink crew. They had to scrape crust off the ice to make it suitable for skating, but were rewarded by the sight of happy couples holding hands, and children enjoying themselves. Also on hand to add to the fun was the mascot of the Hartford Wolfpack, the city's professional ice hockey team.

There were many other events throughout the city to ring in the New Year. Residents could take architectural walking tours, listen to concerts, and even participate in a parade. City officials might consider working with brochure printers on next year's program, so residents will have a guide to all the fun.