FLORENCE– As severe weather preparedness is at the forefront of our minds this time of year, First
Fridays is taking this opportunity to honor the men and women who rush to a disaster, rather than flee
from it.
“First responders do so much to keep us all safe, and, in May, First Fridays allows us to thank them,” said 
Lexi Sandlin, First Fridays committee chairwoman. “From police officers to firemen to representatives
from Air Evac, they’ll be represented.”
Sandlin also said that, beginning at 5 p.m., the music stage will host local up-and-coming musicians. In
May, local guitarist Emmitt Redding and his sister, Lily, who plays the cello, will take the stage for a
short set before the other acts begin.
“We’re fortunate in this area to have so many individuals with so much talent,” Sandlin said. “Having the
local acts take the stage at 5 p.m., we’ll have music and give them a larger forum for others to hear their
talent as well.”
The Ben Project is schedule to take the music stage between 6-6:30 p.m.
More than 70 vendors have been approved for participation in First Fridays in April. Among the artisans
and crafters are those who make jewelry, soap, and clothing, as well as woodworkers and candlemakers.
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. Big River
Broadcasting sponsors the music stage.
For details or to schedule an interview, please contact: Michelle Rupe Eubanks at 256-386-1808 or
mreubanks@chgroup.org
