FLORENCE– Looking to get into the Christmas spirit? The December First Fridays, which will be
this Friday, Dec.5, from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Florence is sure to please as Santa Claus makes an
appearance and local musicians provide the sounds of the holiday season.
“For so many of us, this is the event we look forward to each year,” said First Fridays Chairwoman Lexi
Sandlin. “We love to see Santa arrive, and, with the carolers providing our music, it would be difficult not
to find yourself in the mood for the holidays.”
Santa is expected to arrive on Court Street around 6:30 p.m., and, while you wait, listen to one of the
many local musicians on the Big River Broadcasting stage. The Young Music Makers, from Linda Young
Music Studio; and the Salt and Light Band, from North Wood United Methodist Church; and Cameron
Reeder’s Band will perform. There will be dancers from Laura’s Studio of Performing Arts, and the
handbell choir from the First United Methodist Church in downtown Florence will be on the stage. There
will be choral performances by the Underwood Baptist Church Children’s Choir and the St. James United
Methodist Church.
While you’re downtown, take in some holiday shopping at one of the many downtown businesses that
cater to a variety of tastes, and be sure to stop in at one of the downtown restaurants for dinner.
“This is the perfect way to get excited about the weeks ahead,” Sandlin said. “We’ll take January and
February off, and, First Fridays will return in March. Next year, 2015, marks the 10th anniversary for this
event, so look for new and exciting things to come in the months ahead.”
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
