ATHOL — Walking through a shopping mall, you may run into someone you know, stop for a brief chat and move on. But there’s something about strolling through Main Street during a closed-to-traffic event and spotting the familiar face of a friend, neighbor or relative while supporting local businesses that can make one feel like part of the community.
Holly Young, a member of the Board of Selectmen, and Ann Willhite, owner of Deja Vu Women’s Consignments and a member of the Downtown Vitality Committee, have again collaborated to organize the second annual First Fridays, a “Festival in The Street” where from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the pedestrian-friendly event provides fun activities for all ages while encouraging people to shop locally and “enjoy the spirit of our local community.”
First Fridays begins on May 3, followed by June 7, July 5, August 2, and Sept. 6, rain or shine. “The community gets together, comes downtown and has a family-style party in the street,” Young said.
This year the road will be closed off near the YMCA with a police officer directing traffic. Last year, the road block stopped at Island Street which excluded some businesses and seemed to prevent people from stopping to attend.
Young had heard of the idea of the community event and contacted the organizer of a similar one in Orange to find out more about it. She said Willhite had been wanting to do the same thing and jumped on it. Willhite handles the business part of the planning by creating and distributing fliers and finding live entertainment.
Young said there are 46 outside vendors signed up so far and she would be happy to see more businesses, as well as festival goers.
Vendors can join in right up until the event starts. For more information visit https://hollytempleyoung.wixsite.com/firstfriday, email hollytempleyoung@gmail.com, or check out the First Friday page on Facebook.