Wadsworth has been holding First Fridays since 2018, with the goal of bringing community members together. The event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.
“First Fridays are something that has been growing over the last eight years, and we want to continue to grow it,” said Megan Harvey, the Executive Director of Main Street Wadsworth. “I think it’s just a great day because there’s always so many things that you have to spend money on, and we are able to offer a free, family-friendly event.”
This month, the theme was Downton Decadence: Chocolate Edition.
“I think the theme really draws people in,” said Kristi Arle, a librarian at Wadsworth Public Library. “Luckily, we’ve had some really good ones lately; it [Downtown Decadence: Chocolate Edition] seems like the more interactive theme.”
Downtown, there are many businesses that provide snacks or activities for the participants. Since the theme was Downtown Decadence: Chocolate Edition, many small businesses in town had either free chocolate sweets or some candy bars that were for sale.
Some of these chocolate bars, sponsored by The Vue, had golden tickets inside of them that were the winning tickets for a raffle basket. The baskets that Main Street Wadsworth put together contained Valentine’s Day-themed items that were provided by the small businesses downtown.
“It’s been fun seeing everybody come in and get their hot chocolate and buy candy bars, looking for that golden ticket,” Harvey said. “We can’t wait for the rest of the season.”
The next theme for March’s first Friday, on March 7, is Luck of the Irish.
“We always hope that you’ll come down and support our businesses and that you’re not just enjoying the free activities but getting dinner or buying a gift or item,” Harvey said. “I think it’s just something great for our entire downtown.
