FIRST FRIDAYS CRUISE INTO JULY

First Fridays started last month on Friday, June 3. Many families, friends and couples enjoyed the evening, as over 25 downtown businesses were open late.

The first Fridays of June, July and August have taken on a new meaning in downtown Greenville! ‘First Fridays’ aims to bring people downtown during evening hours to enjoyactivities, demonstrations, food and music in a beautiful historic setting. Local downtown businesses will stay open until 9:00 pm.

The second ‘First Friday’ of the summer season is scheduled for July 1^st and will include an old time favorite to Greenville; Cruising. The evening will end at dusk with ‘Flicks on 5^th,’ featuring the original 2006 film “Cars,” a movie about Lightning McQueen, the famous racecar who finds friendship and love in the local residents of a small town. The two story inflatable movie screen will be located on East Fifth Street between Broadway and Walnut. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged for this free family friendly event.

“Main Street Greenville works closely with downtown businesses in an effort to create cultural experiences in small town Greenville, Ohio. Events like ‘First Fridays’ remind local residents of the resources and talent available in our downtown,” states Amber Schmerge, director of Main Street Greenville. “The purpose of ‘First Fridays’ is to get us excited about our community. During tough economic times, it’s easy to forget that there is much to offer right here in our own backyard. We need to be taking advantage of it,” she concluded.

Over 25 businesses are participating in ‘First Fridays.’ They include AMS Uniforms, Ann's Gifts, Bread of Life, Candy Bouquet, Cavalier Clothing, China Garden, Country Primitives, Countryside Bike Shop, D' Alessios, Danny's Place, Double M Diner, Fair Photo Express, Granny's Corner, Gray's Comics, Janet's Bakery, KitchenAid Experience, Little Italian Cafe, Merle Norman, Michael's Clocks, Montage Cafe, Pamela's, Readmore's Hallmark, Sweet Annie's Cabin, Sweet One O One, The Bistro Off Broadway, The Bootery, The Don's Pizza, The Ivy League, Wayne Cinema, and Youniques.

The third and final ‘First Friday’ is August 5. If you have enjoyed ‘First Fridays’ so far and would like to see the event continue year round, please express your interest to participating businesses or to Amber Schmerge at 937-548-4998.

Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization committed to stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth in Historic Downtown Greenville. To learn more, visit www.DowntownGreenville.org.