Bigger bang, fewer bucks

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With the book about to close on 2009, local artists have figured out a way to go out with a bang on a smaller budget at Austin's family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration.

Sparks were already flying at Auditorium Shores Wednesday night as crews prepped pieces of artwork that will be on display at the fifth annual First Night .

One man stood smiling high above city hall in front of the glass windows, testing a shiny silver aparatus that looked like a giant toy spinning across a cable.

The alternative New Year's Eve celebration will be filled with visual and performing arts. The event is free of charge and free of alcohol.

"I'd like to think everyone in Austin wants our public safety people to be like the Maytag repairman, kinda bored," said Albert Cantara, President of First Night.

While organizers say $300,000 budget of years past has dropped by a third, artists and performers do not seem to care.

"It's not about the money, it really about the love of doing it," said Marrilee Ratcliffe with Austin Community Art Makers .

Ratcliffe and her husband, Dave Umlas were behind last year's burning countdown clock tower which was fully funded with donations. The organization had to fundraise two-thirds of the cost of this year's enormous piece of art sure to light up the lawn.

"A three story building of fire," said Ratcliffe.

Wednesday night the group stacked massive clear poly-carbonate rings on top of a steel sheet sitting on a platform where propane will shoot up and create colorful fire tornadoes all the way to the top.

"We'll get blue and green flames, and we'll have white and orange sparks in the flame," said Dave Umlas. "If we're really lucky, we'll get red or orange flames. Maybe purple but I'm not holding my breath for it."

Families will be able to step right up to the enclosed flames. The designers decided to call the artwork 'Dorothy.' It is a fitting name for her anticipated performance Thursday night.

"We really want to remind everyone in Austin that there's no place like Austin and no time like now," said Ratcliffe. "And no time like this First Night of 2009."

The festivities at First Night run from 4 p.m. to midnight. The fire tornadoes will start start at sundown. Fireworks are also planned. Visit First Night's Official website for a full schedule of events and follow First Night on twitter.