FLORENCE – The October First Fridays event, which will take place from 5-8 p.m. in downtown
Florence on Oct. 3, is a celebration of all things pumpkin.
“We’re celebrating the fall season by celebrating pumpkins,” said First Fridays Committee 
Chairwoman
Lexi Sandlin. “In addition to the that, we’re brining breast cancer awareness to the forefront with other
events that will take place that evening.”
Among the events that have drawn the largest crowds at an October First Fridays is the pumpkin drop.
This will mark the third year for the drop that takes place in the intersection of Court Street and Mobile
Plaza. Steve Carpenter, of Jack O’Lantern Farms, has grown the three pumpkin that will be dropped this
year beginning at 7 p.m.
A pumpkin cooking contest is set for the evening as well. There are two categories: sweet and savory.
Entries should be delivered to the designated area next to the First Fridays tent on Court Street outside
Unraveled by 5:30 p.m. Participants must fill out a registration form that includes name, address, phone
number, and e-mail address. Participants must also provide a copy of the recipe.
A pumpkin carving/decorating contest will also take place by the First Fridays tent. Entries should be
dropped off no later than 5:45 p.m. There are three age groups: 18 and older (adult); 12-17 (teen); and 11
and younger (children).
Winners for both contests will be announced before the pumpkin drop at 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded.
Non-profit organizations are always represented at First Fridays. This month, the Coffee High School
1917-1994 Scholarship Committee will be on hand to share information about the organization.
The Zeta Tau Alpha sorority from the University of North Alabama will have it’s annual Pink Party in honor of October as Breast Cancer Awareness 
Month. The Florence Fire Department will be selling t-shirts in honor of breast cancer awareness.
This month’s music lineup on the Big River Broadcasting stage will include The Cains Trio, who will
take the stage at 5 p.m. The Midnighters, sponsored by ZTA, will take the stage from 6-7 p.m. and again
from 7:45 p.m. to around 8:30 p.m.
More than 80 vendors are expected at First Fridays. They’ll feature a variety of items, including holiday
ornaments, hand-crafted jewelry and wood items, and hand-stitched scarves and other pieces. Tap dancing
artist Christ Rutledge, who is a First Fridays favorite, will also be back in October.
As the year comes to a close, the schedule keeps getting better. In November, First Fridays will partner
with UNA to Paint It Purple, while the December event will be a celebration of the holidays.
First Fridays, which is sponsored by Listerhill Credit Union, is a committee of Downtown Florence
Unlimited and takes place the first Friday of every month during March through December.
MEDIA RELEASE/DOWNTOWN FLORENCE UNLIMITED/MICHELLE RUPE EUBANKS
