Bristol kicks off its third annual First Fridays
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Summer is a time for fun and getting out of the house to explore new spots in the community. What’s a better place than the scenic Delaware River? First Fridays on Mill Street in Bristol are back from May through September and will host a variety of family friendly activities while highlighting local businesses.
This year will be the third official season, though according to Bristol Borough Business Association Administrative Coordinator Shea Cialella, prior attempts were made to get the event up and running. The Redemption Church of Bristol helped spearhead the idea of First Fridays as it tried to rally local businesses. Unfortunately, this was before the power of social media, and the idea didn’t go anywhere. Three years ago, the BBBA tried again with a call for local volunteers. This time around it worked, and it was able to form it into the street festival locals have come to know and love.
“The event is really the brainchild of these volunteers,” Cialella said. “We never expected it to catch on this quickly.”
The sole purpose of First Fridays is to highlight, promote and build up businesses in the community. When the event started three years ago, Cialella said some of the businesses were hesitant to participate. Now, more and more are willing to be a part of it. While many don’t get any sales that day, businesses see growth afterward. People will stop in later in the week explaining how they saw them at the event and wanted to come back when they had more time.
In addition to checking out local shops, there are plenty of free activities for families, including face painters, balloon animals, magicians and performances by local musicians and dance studios.
Art and involving guests in the creative process are huge parts of First Fridays. Dozens of artists are scheduled to appear at the art walk, where the community can witness demos and learn all that goes into creating a masterpiece. In previous years, artist Patricia Buchanan took the lead on building a community art project. Past pieces include a four-foot long mosaic the public was able to put titles on, and a garden bench, which is now located at a bus stop near the Grundy Library. This year’s project will be a four- to five-foot fully working 3D Grundy clock tower, which will include a 3D peripheral view of Bristol’s landscape. At each First Friday, the public can place tiles on it. The clock will also be featured at the Grundy Museum’s 50th anniversary celebration on May 20.
While the 2017 season of First Fridays will include many of the same businesses and activities, Cialella and the rest of the BBBA and volunteers have a few new ideas up their sleeves to keep things interesting.
“We didn’t want to keep doing the same thing month after month, year after year,” she said.
Each month, aside from May and September, will have its own theme, and activities and entertainment will be planned accordingly. June will have a carnival theme, July will center around Christmas in July and August will be all about pirates. Each month will include a selfie station with special hashtags to be determined at the event.
First Fridays is a rain or shine event, and so far the BBBA has gotten lucky when it comes to weather. Cialella reflected on one year when it hailed in the middle of summer, but by 6 p.m., the sky cleared and people came out to support the community.
Planning for this season began in January when volunteers from both inside and outside the business community came together to make it the best year yet. While the organization of the event takes many hours and little to no money in compensation, Cialella wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s really great seeing everybody come together,” she said. “When you see the community support and participation, it makes it all worth it.” ••
The four remaining dates for First Fridays are June 2, July 7, Aug. 4 and Sept. 1. More information at facebook.com/BristolBoroughFirstFridays.
