In an attempt to spotlight what Downtown Dover has to offer, First Fridays are back for 2019.
The monthly event showcases restaurants, shops, and amenities that may otherwise go unnoticed, as well as local artists and musicians.
Downtown Dover Partnership is expanding the program this year with grant funding from NCALL and support from Destination Downtown Dover and Mayor Robin Christiansen.
Downtown Dover Partnership executive director Diane Laird says the plan is to attract more diverse groups to the events.
“What I believe are some great opportunities are programming by theme, for instance, Jazz musicians one month, literary or culinary arts one month, maybe even musicians 35 and under to attract some younger people into the downtown.”, Laird said.
She adds that these events offer opportunities for downtown small business owners and visitors alike.
Laird says, “This is a program to boost business for those businesses that are willing to stay open late on the first Friday of every month, and also an invitation to the community to come out and enjoy our programming which will be year-round and, therefore, not dependent on the weather.”
First Fridays offer the Jolly Trolley bus - allowing visitors to go all around the downtown area with stops at restaurants, shops, and even Wesley College.
Starting in February and continuing for several months, Wesley will host a mural painting exhibit in which community members will be able paint a square of the artwork.
Laird adds that since First Fridays are largely community run, her group is looking for people to help out. In addition to artists and volunteers, First Friday needs Downtown Ambassadors, Trolley narrators, and photographers.
You can contact Diane Laird at at 302-678-2940, via Email at Diane@DowntownDoverPartnership.com or visit Tiny.cc/DoverVolunteer.
