First Friday- February 5, 2010

First Friday is once upon us! And February's theme is Mardi Gras! What a list of things to do! So many events...something for everybody!

The King Centre (300 E. Main Street Johnson City, TN 37601) will feature Dilly-Dally the clown for the kiddies! From juggling to balloon animals, the kids are sure to enjoy!

Do you know what a King Cake is??? If not, come and learn all about this traditional cake and find the baby! That's right...find the baby..the winner will receive a prize!

And what is Mardi Gras without music, The King Centre will welcome the Mud Bugs to the lobby at 7:00pm...they are the area's feature New Orleans-Style band

Nelson Fine Art will also be presenting a new exhibit "Art from the Buffalo School", featuring art and design from the students of Milligan College. The reception will be hosted from 7-9pm with the faculty and student artists on-hand to discuss their work.

And a MUST for any Mardi Gras Celebration is beads!!!! So stop in at Beadworks on Main Street to pick yours up! Also, they'll be having live music and instructions on making your own jewelry. AND they are giving away 2 children's bead partys (up to 8 guests at each) during First Friday!

So whatever your fancy, whether it is beads, music, art, or food and drink...you'll find it all in Downtown Johnson City, Tennessee!

First Friday December 4, 2009

The Johnson City, TN Christmas Parade returns to Downtown!

• That's right folks, the parade is back where it belongs...on Main Street! The festivities will get underway at 5:00pm with food and merchandise vendors on East Main Street.
• At 5:30pm in Fountain Square, by Freiburg's, witness the beauty and awe of the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Carolers from First Presbyterian Church will be on-hand to add even more Holiday Spirit to this event!
• Stop by and enjoy a winter wonderland in Majestic Park. At 6:00pm the Celebration Show Choir of the Tri-Cities will perform in the park gazebo. Talk about feeling festive!
• The PARADE will get underway at 6:30pm with a the route heading up State of Franklin, turning onto Buffalo, and coming straight through downtown on Main Street! Makes me smile just typing it!
• Several events will be going on downtown on December 4, 2009 including an art exhibit at Nelson Fine Art featuring the artist Sammie Nicely.
• 7:30pm (approximately) SANTA returns to the King Centre. In a nostalgic turn of events, Santa is back where he once hosted the multitudes of children (and adults). Parents make sure to bring your camera for this important photo opportunity.

Thanks to all of the merchants who will participate in decorating their store windows! This again will be another nostalgic addition to the evening. So bring your families and come downtown to Johnson City, TN to enjoy the First Friday/Christmas Festivities!

The Official Southern Railroad Depot Collector's Ornament 2009

For a limited time participating downtown Johnson City merchants will offer this 2009 Commemorative Ornament for sale. With only 400 in existence, this is sure to become a collector's item! At a cost of only $10 this 24k gold on solid brass ornament includes a Certificate of Authenticity issued by the Charleston Mint. The Certificate details the history of the Southern Railroad Depot from 1912 to 1972, and is one of Johnson City, Tennessee's prominent landmarks.

In addition to being sold at retail locations, the ornaments will be sold during the monthly First Friday celebration to be held on December 4, 2009. A list of participating merchants is coming soon!

Remember the ornament is being offered in a limited quanitity of 400. This makes a great Holiday gift, souvenir, and a beautiful addition to your Christmas tree!

Second Harvest Food Bank Food Drive Continues!

Just a reminder that collection barrels will be placed downtown for the Second Harvest Food Bank. The barrels will be placed at the following locations in Johnson City, TN now through December 4, 2009:

• Atlantis on 242 E. Main Street
• Beadworks on 257 E. Main Street
• Nelson Fine Art on 324 E. Main Street
• Under One Woof on 318 E. Main Street
• Unique Treasures on 232 E. Main Street

During a season when we are paying thanks and celebrating love, remember to give back to your community. The barrels are for nonperishable food items only. To find out about ongoing programs and more information about the organization. Please visit the website for the Northeast Tennessee Second Harvest Food Bank.

First Friday November 2009

First Friday in November 2009 was dedicated to the ETSU Bucs...it was Homecoming week afterall! There were so many great things going on downtown that night! From the introduction of the Homecoming Queen and King candidates, to a pep rally for the ETSU Ladies Basketball team. You can't have a pep rally without the ETSU Mascot and Cheerleaders!!!

Festivities included art auctions, live body art shows, and Unique Treasures had an art showing as well as belly dancing! It was one busy night downtown!!

Thank you to all who came out to support the Bucs, as well as First Friday!

Make sure to mark your calendars for December 4, 2009. First Friday will celebrate the holidays in style! With a tree lighting service on Fountain Square, Jonesborough Children's Choir in Majestic Park, the Christmas Parade which will come down State of Franklin Street, Buffalo, and then up Main Street.

The downtown merchants are also getting into the spirit by decorating their store windows. And remember Santa returns to the King Centre as well. The Second Chance Harvest Bank collection bins will also be in various stores throughout downtown.

JC First Friday

Tonight is the First Friday Celebration in downtown Johnson City, Tennessee! It's homecoming week at ETSU and they are having a pep rally to show the city's ETSU Buc Pride! The festivities begin at 6:00pm and will continue throughout the downtown and into the evening.

Some of the events will include art exhibits, free yoga classes, homemade doughnuts for sale, bluegrass, and much more! For more information on this event, please visit the downtown site at http://jcfirstfriday.com/

The downtown is also collecting nonperishable food items for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Look for the collection barrels which will be located on E. Main Street.