By Crystal McGough, Associate Editor
PINSON – The Pinson Valley Arts Council will be kicking off its inaugural “First Friday” street party event on Main Street this Friday, May 5, beginning at 6 p.m.
This free event will feature live entertainment from DieDra and The Ruff Pro Band, and those attending will also have the opportunity to patron a variety of local businesses on Pinson’s historic Main Street.
First Friday goers can visit Price’s Ice Cream, which is located in the historic Price’s Drug building and looks like something straight out of the 50s, or browse through a unique and stylish selection of clothes at Celina’s Boutique. They will also have the opportunity to grab a specialty coffee or tea from Barking Bee Coffee and then head over to Love Life Naturals to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift – or a gift for themselves.
“With First Friday, my goal is to try to help all the stores right there on Main Street,” PVAC founder DieDra Ruff said. “Try to get people to stop and shop at Celina’s, eat lunch at Price’s, go into the little perfume store. You’ve got the dog grooming place (Comfort Grooming), so that’s somewhere you can take your dog.”
Ruff said that traffic comes down Main Street often but doesn’t really stop on Main Street. By offering live entertainment in a block party style setting, she hopes to get people to notice and take pride in the small businesses of their community and encourage them to shop local.
“I want people driving down the street to hear the music and pull over and come and sit down,” she said. “The way it will be set up, you just bring your folding chair, pop your chair out and listen to some live entertainment. Send the kids next door to Price’s and get ice cream or pizza or whatever. If you feel like going next door to Celina’s and buying something – it’s just to benefit the whole street.”
In addition to the band and local stores, Ruff said there will be local artist set up, as well. There will also be a raffle for items donated by the merchants and businesses of Main Street. Raffle tickets will be $5.
While First Friday is a free event, there will be a donation box in case anyone wants to help contribute and ensure that these types of events can continue to be provided by the Pinson Valley Arts Council.
As for now, Ruff said the Arts Council plans to host First Friday at the start of each month from May to October.
First Friday is sponsored by Steve Mezrano Law Firm, Studio 54 School of Arts and Beverly’s Dance Unlimited.
For more information or to inquire about booth spaces at future First Friday events, contact DieDra Ruff at (404) 379-0096.