FLORENCE-While February is a cold fickle month full of Winter and random temperature changes, March is a time for new beginnings. It’s chopped full of buttercup’s yellow blooms, life buzzing by your ears, and of course the first of the First Fridays.
The sound of music filled the cooling night, as vendors sold their art. Businesses welcomed the 
endless crowds into their downtown shops. The delicious aroma of sausage, pizza and beef enticed the noses and hunger of everyone around.
Rachel Wammack played piano, and Aaron Blades played blues on the Big River stage to an excited crowd. Children danced and played along to every note, adults swayed and the Shoals Deadpool Cosplay character broke the fourth wall every chance he got, during the street concert.
Individual musicians jammed along the sidewalk. Some musicians were young, others were old, but all were beautiful. Art, jewelry, crafts and poets each stood out in their own unique way.
Circus Centripetus lit up the crowd with their fire light, juggling and hula-hoop play. Gorgeous models showed off their website-scanning dresses, and even the angry church guy showed up to yell aimlessly at the night.
First Fridays is a lot to take in, but you see people you haven’t seen in years. You get to breathe in the fresh air, and experience a taste of what Florence has to offer in about four hours.
Pictures taken by Summer Valentine of all the fun at the March 2014 First Friday in downtown Florence:
