Pop-rock band Hanson will headline First Night, Central New York's New Year's Eve celebration at Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool.

County Executive Joanie Mahoney announced this year's First Night celebration will be free for the first time ever, paid for by Burdick Chevy at Driver's Village. In previous years, the New Year's Eve celebration cost $5 in advance and $8 at the gate.

Hanson rose to stardom and heartthrob status when their debut album "Middle of Nowhere" topped pop music charts in 1997. Brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac will perform their hit single "MMMBop" at First Night along with several original songs.

"The musical headliner will be very familiar if you grew up in the 1990s or had children in the 1990s," said Ed Levine, president and CEO of Galaxy Communications. "While 'MMMBop' is what they're primarily known for, in the last 5-7 years they've developed a whole new generation of fans."

Levine first heard Hanson's music when his now-25-year-old daughter listened to them in '90s.

"There's a lot of age groups I think are going to be covered with this band," said Mahoney.

In its fourth year, "First Night was created as a central point where families could gather in a safe environment for an alcohol-free New Year's Eve," said Levine.

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