Just as the weekend gets going, Old Town Greenwood will come alive.
Live music will fill the air at small stages throughout the city. Artists plan to create their work in front of interested audiences, and people can make their own chalk creation throughout the evening.
People can shop for handmade artisan goods, sample energy bombs, find special deals on all kinds of goods and grab a bit to eat and a drink.
The event may be called Final Fridays, but organizers hope it’s the start of something big.
“It’s exciting to bring something that will continue to draw people down to continue to show off the work that’s been done already in Old Town Greenwood,” said Megan Yeagy, co-owner of Grafton Peek and member of Restore Old Town Greenwood. “This is an exciting way to show it off.”
Restore Old Town Greenwood has partnered with businesses at the heart of the city to create a new program to increase exposure in the Old Town area. Final Fridays — which are planned for the last Friday in each month moving forward — offers free music, special activities at businesses, extended hours and much more.
The first event is planned for July 26 along Main Street and Madison Avenue. Organizers envision not only a fun night out for people of all ages in Old Town, but an opportunity to spotlight what makes the area so unique.
“We’re looking forward to seeing this growing. This is something that will go on throughout the winter, through all the seasons, and we hope it keeps getting bigger,” Yeagy said.
In communities, neighborhoods and businesses throughout the country, First Fridays have become a powerful tool to attract customers after normal business hours. Shops and stores stay open later than normal, giving people an added chance to shop and discover.
Leaders at Restore Old Town Greenwood have discussed the potential of creating one for years.
“You’ve seen First Fridays thrive in other neighborhoods. Some other local businesses owners had mentioned things about it as well, so it seemed like a good fit,” Yeagy said.
The nonprofit preservation organization was founded in 2011 by residents who were concerned that the city’s historic structures were in danger of being torn down. Since that time, they’ve worked to maintain a vibrant commercial and residential area in Old Town, advocating for historic preservation, promoting small business and encouraging community involvement.
After Franklin debuted its expanded Shop the Blocks event on First Fridays in March, the group felt it was time to do something of their own. They met with Danny Causey, executive director at Discover Downtown Franklin, and also received feedback from Festival Country Indiana, the county’s tourism organization.
“That was really exciting. We talked with them and got suggestions so we didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. They were very helpful in helping us get this launched so we can really help each other,” Yeagy said.
Instead of a First Friday event, Restore Old Town Greenwood chose to look at the last Friday of the month so they wouldn’t be competing with Franklin and others in the county. Over the past few months, they’ve lined up businesses, activities and entertainment to be part of it.
Live music will be set up at three different places around the Old Town area. Food trucks and vendors such as CryoFare Freeze Dried Foods, Dashboard Food Truck & Catering, El Taco Azteca, Texas Roadhouse and The Burnt-Out Baker are scheduled to set up throughout the area.
Duane King, a local artist and part of the Southside Art League, will be doing live art demonstrations. Teal Canary will be hosting a Chalk the Walk experience.
Nearly 20 businesses have signed on to take part. All are staying open late, while others are offering special deals or enticements for coming to shop.
Grafton Peek Mercantile, on the ground floor of the Grafton Peak building, is going to unveil a Greenwood painting created by artist JD Bills, and prints will be for sale. Grafton Peek Social Hall, on the second floor of the building, will have vintage vendors as they serve drinks from their bar and have snacks available for purchase.
H2 Nutrition is planning on offering Sip and Sample, where people can try samples of shakes, energy bombs, protein balls and donuts. The Lash Studio Greenwood & The Queen Bee Spa Greenwood is offering $20 walk-in spray tans from 6 to 8 p.m.
SIP Cocktails on Main has lined up half-priced appetizers from 6 to 8 p.m., while Take Root Country Store is offering 10% off.
“All different kinds of businesses are going to open their doors and show people what they’ve got to offer,” Yeagy said. “And we’re continuing to build; we have new things coming every day.”
While the Final Friday portion of the event goes from 5 to 8 p.m., Yeagy stressed that the participating businesses are open earlier, while some will stay open later.
“That’s when we’re going to have things going on in the streets, but shops are open all day. They can come in before that. We have amazing bars, restaurants, breweries that are open later, so we’d love people to make a day of it or a night of it,” she said.
IF YOU GO
Final Fridays
What: A special event spotlighting Old Town Greenwood, featured extended hours for businesses, local artisans, entertainers and musicians.
When: 5-8 p.m. July 26
Where: Old Town Greenwood, centered around Main Street and Madison Avenue
Future dates: Aug. 30, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 29 and Dec. 27.
