MainStreet Cleveland and the Allied Arts Council of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce are teaming up again to give the residents of Cleveland and Bradley County, and visitors to the area, another event to look forward to — First Friday Festivals. Each of the first Fridays of the summer months will feature special events in downtown Cleveland.
The first of the festivals was held in June with a great turnout, organizers said. The next is set for July 6 from 7-9:30 p.m., and is designed as a free, family-oriented event.
The First Friday Festivals are being sponsored by Wacker--Charleston. The events will feature live music, bounce houses and free face painting for the children. Food vendors will be available offering shaved ice, barbecue, funnel cakes and kettle corn for purchase.
The live music line-up scheduled includes the Sullivan Band and the Jay Storm Project for July 6; and the series final is Bad Tattoo and the Collins Brothers Band for Aug. 3.
Streets will be closed around the Bradley Courthouse by 6 p.m. and organizers point out that there is plenty of downtown parking for those coming to the first of the First Friday Festivals.
"Bring a chair to the Courthouse Square and enjoy," organizers said.
Quotes from last year's event:
“We are very excited to offer this series of family-oriented festivals to our community, and we greatly appreciate Wacker’s generosity and support as the sole sponsor of these events,” said Sharon Marr, MainStreet Cleveland executive director. “First Friday Festivals, combined with the monthly MainStreet Cruise-In and the weekly Market at the Mill, bring a variety of fun summer entertainment options to downtown.”
Melissa Woody of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism Development Division and member of the Allied Arts Council agreed. “Summer is a great time to celebrate family and community in our charming downtown. Wacker is helping us offer free family fun and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it,” Ms. Woody said