2008 is coming to a close, but the New Year's celebration is just beginning.

People are preparing to throw one of the biggest parties in Downtown Binghamton.

Action News Reporter Julianne Sweeney shows us how people are putting the finishing touches on First Night 2009.

"It's coming soon. Ha ha. We only have a few hours left." says Laurie Kimball.

Kimball is a First Night Binghamton 2009 volunteer.

She's a puppet technician.

And putting 125 puppets together to appear in the First Night Parade.

"We have to assemble the arms, and the hands, and legs, and put their outfits together and get everybody wired together and made sure that the lights work." says Kimball.

There will be more than 300 volunteers helping with the New Year's festivities.

Including these people behind the scenes.

"People running all over town, picking up the food, the boxes, um, performers are coming in today." says Lesley Tillotson, Southern Tier Celebrates Executive Director.

"The momentum just builds to today, and yes, it's crazy, but it's fun, chaotic craziness." says First Night Volunteer Judi Zeamer.

First Night is a celebration for people looking for an alcohol-free, family-friendly way to spend New Years Eve.

This is its 13th year.

"It has evolved. Every year, it's a little different. We put thing out one year, and we don't put it out for 5-years later." says First Night Technical Director Terry Burke.

This year's theme is "The Welcome Table".

Which these volunteers say is only fitting for Binghamton.

"Volunteers are welcoming, people are welcoming, this community is welcoming." says Zeamer.

"It takes a huge, community, cooperative effort." says Tillotson.

There will be 24 sites.

Offering more than 100 performances and activities.

"When things get the craziest, it's when I'm calmest. When it's over, it's like post-event syndrome." says Burke.

And time for volunteers to start planning First Night Binghamton 2010.

First Night buttons are still available.

They're $12-dollar each.

A value pack of 6 buttons is $64-dollars.

Children 4 and under are free with a paying adult.

Buttons are available at all Giant Food Markets, Bates Troy Dry Cleaning stores, and Wendy's locations in Binghamton, Endicott, Owego, Vestal.