FLORENCE – It’s time for the December First Fridays, and that means we’ll celebrate by welcoming Santa Claus as well as with the help of carolers and our musicians and vendors. The event is scheduled for Friday, December 2, from 5-8 p.m. on Court Street in downtown Florence.
The theme for the month is an old-fashioned Florence Christmas, and First Fridays committee chairwoman Belinda Duke said it’s a fun way to ring in the holidays, and it’s also an homage to our almost 200-year history as a city.
“We’re so fortunate in Florence, especially in the downtown with the architecture and other monuments, to have so much history,” she said. “We wanted a chance to celebrate that as part of First Fridays. It’ll be like having some our favorite holiday scenes come to life.”
Those who do dress in Dickensian-era costumes will have an opportunity to win a prize from a downtown merchant. Santa will also be decked out in his best Victorian-era finery. In keeping with the theme, Duke said the committee is also having a children’s art exhibit that will take place as part of First Fridays.
Music is also a key part of this year’s December First Fridays. The Cadillacs will kick off at 5 p.m. on the Big River Broadcasting stage with some traditional Christmas carols. At 6 p.m., Hunter Slade will perform, and he’ll be followed at 7 p.m. by Chndlr.
A tuba band as the Madrigal Singers will complement the seasonal sounds from music stage, Duke said. 
First Fridays will also be partnering with the Shoals Writers’ Guild for the first Christmas in the Renaissance City Author and Artist Crawl. This special event gives local authors and artists an opportunity to sell and sign their books while visiting with fans and readers.
Of course, the December First Fridays wouldn’t be the same without the vendors, and this year’s event is no different. Artisans and crafters are expected to be on hand by the dozens, selling their unique items, including clothing, wood crafts, painting, jewelry, and even light fixtures.
“There is always something to find at First Fridays from our vendors,” Duke said. “Our committee works tirelessly to ensure we have a good variety of items that will shoppers will love, and it benefits our crafters when they have good sales.”
It’s a great opportunity to start and finish your holiday shopping while supporting local artists.
Media Release/ Downtown Florence Unlimited
