DOWNTOWN FRIDAYS
Owensboro and Evansville Get Out of the
House this Summer
Spring and summer are a time of activity – a time to look
for ways other than vegetating in front of a television to feel relaxed or
entertained after a long workweek. Fortunately, for the cities of Owensboro and
Evansville, the spring and summer months see the downtown riverfront districts
come alive with things to do that won’t make you feel like you’re wasting your
life away indoors …or breaking the bank.
Evansville’s
“Fabulous First Fridays”
If I say “FFF,” that’s not a way of censoring myself and
shielding my readers from an outburst of dirty language, it’s a reference to
Fabulous First Fridays, which, from May 2nd through the end of
September, will bring a fun and unforgettable array of activities to the
downtown and riverfront on the first Friday of every month.
Those who take advantage of FFF will enjoy free activities
such as a “Movies By the Water,” which offers the public an opportunity
to take in family-oriented films and share in a romantic and fun experience
with friends, neighbors, and family under the stars and beside the Ohio River. Spring and summer revelers will also want to
check out FFF’s “Cruise Ins,” which showcase antique and classic cars
from bygone eras on Main Street.
Also of interest are the live music shows and the new Multicultural Festival
on June 7th, which will introduce tri-staters to the menagerie of
cultures that all call the River
City home.
May will also witness the arrival of the annual Farmers
Market, which, every Friday through summer, occupies the area near the
corner of 2nd and Sycamore from around 7 a.m. ‘til around 2:30 p.m.
and features fresh produce booths, arts and crafts, flower vendors, herb growers,
and just about anything else produced by the capable hands of area residents.
Those interested in obtaining space for a booth should call Jocee at Downtown
Evansville Inc. The number is 424-2986. Space is free but limited, so call now
and book your spot.
Enjoy fresh produce from the farmers market.
Photography | Kirk Kirkpatrick
As always, check your News-4U for updated FFF summer event
schedules or visit www.downtownevansville.org. See you there!
Owensboro’s “Friday After 5”
When a weary Owensboro
workforce punches its Friday time clock signaling the end of a long workweek,
something magical happens to help jumpstart a fun and rejuvenating weekend
downtown. “Friday After 5” (FA5) was started in 1996 by Downtown
Owensboro, Inc. as a 10-week summer festival to help revive the
downtown riverfront as a prime entertainment destination and, thanks to
sponsors like Coldwell Banker/Image Builders, has grown from there into
a 16-week-long celebration of summer.
The weekly festivities kick off May 23rd with a
concert by The Velvet Bombers and will run through August 29th.
They feature performances on the RiverPark
Center patio from some of
the area’s most accomplished and seasoned regional and local acts like Bonepony,
Black Widow, and more. Each week’s entertainment schedule is rounded out
with a street fair activity focusing on something like motorbikes, pets,
farming, or the annual chili cookoff, and a roundup of alternative courtyard
entertainment. Some weeks will also see special events featuring even more
local acts and live entertainment!
Jam every Friday next to the river with Fridays After 5.
Photography | Kirk Kirkpatrick
Friday After 5 is a massive logistical undertaking that many
Owensboro
residents agree improves the quality of life in the city and achieves its
stated goal of enriching and enlivening the downtown area. We at News-4U are
excited to continue covering it and look forward to this year’s events.
For a complete schedule of FA5 events, check out the website
at www.fridayafter5.com, or keep picking up your News-4U all summer long!
Executive Inn Rivermont’s “Sprint Sunset Series”
And finally, proving that capitalistic competition is
the heart beat which drives creativity in commerce, the Executive Inn
Rivermont’s “Sprint Sunset Series” also features an exciting lineup of free
summer entertainment every Friday just down the street from FA5 at the Mitch McConnell
Plaza. This is a win-win
situation for the public as The Sunset Series provides yet another alternative
to sitting in your underwear eating corn chips in front of the boob tube on a
beautiful Friday evening this summer. The Series kicks off on May 16th
with a concert by Flat Stanley and Wildman and continues the
following Friday with a show from Evansville
rockers Gonzo’s Toybox. Check
www.executiveinnrivermont.com/SunsetSeries.html for more on who’s playing each
week, or call 800-626-1936.
Photography | Executive Inn Rivermont
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