“It’s time to discover that we really have a vibrant downtown community!”
Marietta Main Street is launching their new program, First Fridays, on January 6th with the theme Fire & Ice. First Fridays are monthly events from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month where downtown shops will be open late, storefront windows will be themed, giveaways will be – you guessed it – given away, and music, art, and refreshments will be featured based on the shop.
Debbie Cline, Owner of Twisted Sisters Boutique at 197 Front Street shares, “I’m excited to have downtown Marietta come to life the First Fridays of every month. This is an opportunity to showcase each merchant's uniqueness along with the monthly themes. It’s time to discover that we really have a vibrant downtown community!”
The First Friday of 2017 will feature a variety of custom-carved ice sculptures staged throughout downtown Marietta highlighting the artistry of local chefs, like Chef Tyson Whistler of Glenwood Retirement Community, and designed for the businesses that sponsored each sculpture. Sponsors like the Marietta/Washington County CVB, the Marietta Morning Rotary, Morrison Incorporated, Hall Financial Advisors, and Marietta College will be featured alongside businesses like Baker & Baker Jewelers, American Flags & Poles, Schafer Leather Store, Just A Jar Design Press, Top Drawer Furniture & Design, and the Riverside Artists Gallery.
In addition to the ice sculptures, the Armory will house two fire performances by local group The Burning Dawn at both 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. that evening.
“I absolutely adore downtown Marietta and am so excited to participate in First Fridays. I truly believe it will be a wonderful experience for businesses, locals and visitors. It also got me thinking of other opportunities to make Marietta an even better place. A group I’m a part of, Gently M.A.D.E. will be spreading random acts of kindness downtown during the First Fridays,” says Courtney Smith of Ran.dom.o.si.ty 7.4.0..
Another fun feature of each First Friday is the ability to win a great gift for every purchase you make! Each month will feature one big giveaway provided by a local business to be raffled away based on how much you shop. January’s gift basket is provided by THRIVEfiit, a local fitness and nutrition program focusing on wellness, and is valued at $200 including classes, personal trainer sessions, and more – perfect for the new year!
A variety of downtown businesses have been utilizing First Fridays to highlight new programs themselves. Over the Moon Pub & Pizza has launched an Unplugged series featuring live music by local singers and songwriters. Local shops like Wit & Whimzy and Teri Ann’s will also feature local musicians live in their shops that evening.
Harmar Village is getting in the spirit of this event as well! As Passiflora is sponsoring one of the ice sculptures for the evening, they will also feature live music from a local pianist.
Future First Friday events are set to be sponsored by Washington State Community College, Marietta College, Hidden Marietta Tour Company, and Marietta City Schools.
Join us each First Friday of the month to shop local, support local art and music, join together as a community and have fun!
