On Friday nights at 6 p.m., Ahovissi teaches African dance and music at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He also teaches weeklong residencies at public schools, where students engage in hands-on learning of African dance and music. Along with music and dance, students also craft African necklaces, headbeads, masks, shakers and ankle bells. Hwendo comes from the Fon language, meaning “Our origin and culture will not disappear.” The goal is to share their love and knowledge of African culture.

The fun starts at 6 p.m. at nine different venues around the park. At 8 p.m., there will be a children’s procession with the main finale held at midnight in Bayliss Park. First Night buttons are $5 until Christmas, then $8 afterward. Children 5 and younger are free. For more information, go online to onto www.FirstNightCouncilBluffs.org. Open House Thursday A First Night open house will be held on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at Community Hall in Council Bluffs.

The goal of the open house is to recruit volunteers. “We have had strong support from local businesses as sponsors and from our venues, which will be providing many of our needed volunteers, said Inky Westfall, First Night Co-Chair, “but we could still use more help.” Those who would like to learn more about the family friendly New Year’s Eve event and purchase commemorative buttons are also welcome to attend.

The buttons, which will serve as admission to the venues, are available for $5 until Dec. 24 and $8 after. Children age 5 and younger free. Volunteers will receive a free button, Attendees of the open house will receive a First Night schedule, which includes performances by musicians, dancers, storytellers, singers and more. Other talented acts include Urban Surrender and Michael Fitzsimmons, Kusi Taki and Mariachi Zapata.