First Light event. (Photo Source: Cortland Voice photo files).
First Light is one of Cortland County’s biggest community events of the year. It happens every year on New Year’s Eve, as people celebrate the ending of the year.
Unfortunately, the 2021 New Year’s Eve event that would celebrate ringing in the year of 2022 has been canceled.
Timothy A. Bennett is the owner of the event. He purchased it in 2019 from the Cortland Downtown Partnership. Bennett is also the licensed owner of FunFlicks Indoor & Outdoor Movies six of eight of New York’s territories, and the owner and publisher of The Cortland Voice.
When asked about canceling this year’s event, Bennett said “I really love our community. I care about the health and well-being of everyone in our community and surrounding communities. I want to do what I personally feel is right. After meeting with public officials and speaking with some business owners, my personal decision was understood. I’d like to thank past supporters of the event, including the Cortland Downtown Partnership, The Cortland Voice, FunFlicks Indoor & Outdoor Movies, CVS Pharmacy, City of Cortland first responders, the mayor and the common council, downtown business owners, John Scanlon (owner of the Clock Towers), and everyone who came to the event annually in past years to have a good time and show support. We haven’t been able to have the event in a few years due to COVID-19, but I look forward to having it in the future. I understand some may be disappointed with the decision, but it’s in the best interest of the community.”
If you have any additional questions for Timothy A. Bennett, he can be reached at [email protected].
