FLORENCE– July’s First Fridays, which will be Friday, July 5, from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Florence, is all about celebrating America, according to Andy Frith, chairman of the First Fridays committee.
“When First Fridays falls near the Independence Day holiday, we tend to incorporate that into the theme of the event,” Frith said. “This year is no different. It’s a great way for locals to begin the long holiday weekend, and it’s also a nice way to welcome visitors to the area who may be in town, too.”
There will be a classic car cruise-in on the northern end of Court Street, and vendors are asked to decorate their booths in a patriotic theme.
“We call it the Red, White, and Booth contest,” Frith said. “And downtown merchants are invited to participate, too, by decorating their storefronts and windows with a patriotic theme.”
Music is set to begin at 5 p.m. with Dorothy Cole, a Tina Turner impersonator, taking 
the Big River Broadcasting stage. She’ll be followed by Strange Waves and Way Whileago. Music will conclude at 8 p.m.
More than 100 vendors have been approved for the July First Fridays events. These include painters, leather craftsmen, woodworkers, and jewelry makers.
In August, First Fridays will celebrate 10 years of family fun in downtown Florence with a birthday themed event. Balloons, inflatables, and other events are set for the August 7 event in downtown Florence.
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.
