Those looking for something to do, a place to go, and a good time need look no further than Leonardtown on the first Friday of each month. The town opens up and rolls out the red carpet for visitors every first Friday evening of the month.
Most of the merchants stay open late, have receptions, wine-tasting, food-sampling, live entertainment and music, book-signings, art shows and meet-and-greets with local celebrities. In addition, it is free to anyone that cares to attend.
It was not always so. Originally, the idea of First Friday was an idea modeled after similar programs in cities around the country. The artists’ members/owners managing North End Gallery on Fenwick Street gave birth to the idea to attract people into the center of town. Something that was difficult to do after the Route 5 Bypass was complete.
The movement struggled along with few visitors and merchants participating in its first year. Then one of the North End members, Kelly Keller, an artist photographer decided to take the reins and organize the effort.
“It started a couple of years ago when we [North End Gallery] decided it would be great to start the First Friday the same as other cities like Old Town Alexandria,” said Keller.
Keller was chosen to lead the effort by her fellow members and to become the groups’ liaison with the Leonardtown Business Association. “There was a great deal of interest by the LBA, but when the time came to remain open on First Friday’s we had very few merchants participating.”
It wasn’t until January of 2008 when a committee was formed to handle the promotion and to coordinate the effort, that First Friday’s began to take shape.
“March and April were slow, but each time, more merchants would participate,” stated Keller. “Now it is much better with almost the whole town participating.”
Joe Orlando, proprietor of Fenwick Street Used Books stated, “We have Catfish Joe coming this First Friday.” The owner of the eclectic bookstore said that the First Friday events are now looked forward to by a lot of his customer.
At May’s event, North End Gallery held a reception for three local artists: Mickey Kumkle, Ann Crain, and Diana Manchak. During the June 6 event, North End will feature “Heirloom Gardens” and have Bonnie Briscoe speak. S-Kape Salon will be offering free chair massages on that day, and many local restaurants will have food sampling and wine-tasting as well.
The Bay Net talked with Wendy Heidrich, owner of Room with a Brew, and member of the St. Mary’s Arts Council, about the effort outside of downtown Leonardtown. Heinrich stated that. “First Friday is more than just a Leonardtown event. We need to promote more economic development all over St. Mary’s County.” She went on to say that the event should eventually lead to the entire county benefiting from the effort. On June 6, Room With a Brew will feature local performers, Joy Radio, Johnny’s Deal, CAT and Human Host.
Free music, free food, and good times – all available each First Friday in this case, tonight. Check out the events and shows by logging on to www.leonardtownfirstfriday.blogspot.com, a blog maintained by Keller that lists all participating merchants and what they will be doing for the First Friday.
“I don’t list them if they are simpl
