On February 6, downtown Milledgeville hosted its routine First Friday Flannel and Food Trucks event by inviting students, faculty and families to come and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. From food trucks and shopping to axe-throwing, First Friday had a wide variety of activities for everyone in the community.
This tradition of festivities started in 2014 as a community celebration for winning the national title of Great American Main Street City by the Main Street America organization. Since then, First Friday has become a huge hit for all members of the Milledgeville community. The Milledgeville community encourages anyone and everyone to come out and have a great time.
“This is actually my first time experiencing First Friday,” said Abbey Clayton, a junior business management major. “I’m so excited to look at all the shops and get some dinner with friends.”
It’s never too late to participate in all that First Friday has to offer. Whether it’s your first time or a tradition for you and your friends, students and families can’t seem to get enough.
“I highly recommend First Friday to anyone. I’ve had an amazing time so far getting outside and enjoying the weather,” Clayton said.
For students like Clayton, First Friday offers more than just food and shopping. It creates a reason to step off campus and fully enjoy the town without thinking about the stress and pressures of college.
Along with live music and food, the event also has sponsors and local nonprofits with fun booths of activities for everyone. The company American Axes has offered an axe-throwing activity for the past two years.
“We just enjoy getting out here and engaging with all attendees, especially in this beautiful weather,” said Robert Neil, an associate for American Axes. “We see just about every type of crowd while we are out here, which makes First Friday just as exciting and unique.”
Local vendors and organizations lined the streets and created a steady flow of connection among the community. From families with young children to college students, this event reflected the diversity of community members that First Friday continues to bring together year after year.
Local restaurants thrive during First Friday as more customers are present to kick off the weekend. Everyone has their favorite local spot. Anna Carey, a senior political science major, chooses to spend her First Fridays at The Brick.
“I love going to The Brick,” Carey said. “The food and drinks are amazing, and they always have such fun energy.”
First Friday brings an abundance of life to the downtown scene. For many restaurants and shops, the monthly event is one of the busiest nights of the semester. It also gives them an opportunity to showcase what they have to offer for students and families who don’t regularly come to the area.
Downtown has all the options if you want to play it safe or find your new favorite spot. From burgers and pizza to sushi or Greek cuisine, these restaurants can satisfy any craving you might have.
With different themes planned throughout the semester, Milledgeville is anticipating that even more students and community members will make First Friday a monthly tradition. If you missed this past event, the next First Friday will be on March 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., so grab some friends and enjoy all it has to offer.
