ATHOL — Organizers of the initial First Friday held May 4 hope to build interest and participation as the events continue throughout the summer.
Selectwoman Holly Young said that while there wasn’t a “huge turnout” of people attending, “many people did show up, and we hope to get the word out so next time we have even more.”
Downtown businesses who participated included Flowerland, Never Grow Up, Deja Vu, Tintagels Gate, The Blind Pig, Mommy and Me, B&B Furniture Rehab Boutique, Athol Credit Union, Hometown Realtors and Scrafty, which had its opening that day.
Other vendors that set up were Jamie Yutkins of LuLaRoe, Crystal Parent of World Heritage Exchange Program and the Orange Revitalization Partnership, Jack Spofford with Greater Athol Area Advocates for Families with Special Needs (GAAAFSN), Karen McJennings of Plates by Karen, Cyndi Flannagan with her stained glass jewelry and the New England Equestrian Center of Athol.
“There were a few other vendors that have already committed for some of the other First Friday dates, who couldn’t make it to the first event,” Young said.
The Athol Public Library had a craft available for children, as well as the Story Walk set up out back. Valuing Our Children sets it up every week. The library also allowed use of its restrooms.
Organizers are also planning to have music groups, more food vendors and children’s activities at the upcoming events.
“It started small, but I think we will get bigger each time,” Young said.
Next month’s event on Friday, June 1, will include a beer and wine tent hosted by The Blind Pig.
“Our group, organizing the monthly event, is small,” Young said. “However, we will be working closely with the Downtown Vitality Committee and hoping to get more people involved in helping us with advertising the events and getting more community involvement.”
As its name suggests, First Friday is held on the first Friday of every month. Vendors are invited to set up free of charge. Any organization in the Athol area wishing to participate may contact Young at hollytempleyoung@gmail.com