FLORENCE – While First Fridays brings to mind great holiday shopping and the sounds of the holiday season, it also brings Santa Claus to downtown Florence. The December First Fridays is set for December 6, from 5-8 p.m.
Santa will arrive via Florence fire truck and make his way down Court Street to the intersection of Court Street and Mobile Plaza where he will be available for photos at the Listerhill Credit Union photo booth.
“It’s always special when Santa Claus arrives,” said Lexi Sandlin, the First Fridays committee chairwoman. “The 
December First Fridays is all about the holidays, families, and celebrating the spirit of the season.”
The United Way’s program, Success by 6, will also be on hand at 5 p.m. on the Bill Reid Music Stage reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The Hibbett Middle School Choir will take the stage at 6 p.m. to provide the sounds of Christmas.
And, in keeping with the holiday tradition, First Fridays will be blanketed in snow. The Amazing Snowman will be at the event, providing an abundance of the white, fluffy stuff on Court Street.
More than 75 vendors are expected to be on hand for the event. Among the wares they will be selling are handmade jewelry items, handcrafted wood pieces, and seasonal pieces perfect for gift-giving.
“The committee works hard to ensure the vendors provide items that are hand-crafted as well as local,” Sandlin said. “What better gift to give than one that has been made close to home and supports local families.”
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.
