FLORENCE – The June First Fridays, which is scheduled for Friday, June 3 from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Florence, is a celebration of the Tennessee River and its role in life of the Shoals.
“Everything is about rollin’ on the river,” said First Fridays Co-chairwoman Belinda Duke. “From our music to our special guests, June felt like the right time to celebrate the river and all of the ways it brings us together as a community.”
At 6 p.m., on the Big River Broadcasting Stage, the Tina Turner tribute artist Dorothy Cole will perform some of the artist’s greatest hits, including “Rolling on the River.” Duke said the First Fridays committee had worked for a number of months to secure Cole as a performer.
“Audiences will not want to miss this memorable performance,” she said. “Ms. Cole has an extensive set list, and she has performed with some of the biggest names in music.”
At 5 p.m. Sailor will perform, and, following Cole, Daphne and the Mystery Machine will take the stage.
In addition to music, representatives from the Tennessee Valley Authority will be on hand with a water display; the Florence Harbor and Marina will have boat displays; and there will be boats from aquatic first responders, including the Florence Police Department, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the City of Florence Fire Department.
Cars from the British Car Club as well as the Goldwing Motorcycle Club will anchor the North end of Court Street during First Fridays.
Duke said the event is also expected to welcome home members of the National Championship University of North Alabama softball team.
“There really will be something for everyone,” she said. “What better way to start the summer than with First Fridays and the river as the backdrop?”
First Fridays will welcome more than 80 vendors to the event who will line both sides of Court Street. Jewelers, woodworkers, clothing makers, and crafters are among the artisans who will participate in the event.
Preparations are already in the works for the July event, which will include a patriotic pet parade. In celebration of the Olympics, the August First Fridays will be a night of family fun and games.
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. First Fridays is a rain-or-shine event.
