By Jordan Studer
news@wbcowqel.com
First Fridays returned to downtown Bucyrus and smiling faces lined the streets for the first of three such events this summer.
The theme of the evening was health and fitness. To go along with the theme, FCBank decided to host its very first 5K run. With help of the gorgeous weather, Fitness Warehouse, and a few other sponsors and volunteers, the race was a success with around 60 participants.
“I’m pleased with how it went. It definitely was a learning experience. If we hope to do it next year we will definitely have a much better grasp on how we can help a little bit more. We definitely have ideas for next year,” Becca Hord Community Office Assistant Manager of FCBank stated.
Proceeds from the race went to the Humane Society Serving Crawford County. The Humane Society was very grateful that the community thought of them while searching for a benefit for the race.
“We’re always very grateful for any donations that come to us. And when people decide to specifically name us and say all the proceeds are going to the Humane Society, we are just very proud that the community thinks so highly of our stewardship of their funds. And that they understand (the funds) stay right here in Crawford County to help the dogs, cats, guinea pigs, snakes, and everything else that we see at the shelter every year,” Humane Society Executive Director Victoria Carmean stated.
This month’s First Friday also brought on a new addition of an updated Kid’s Area on East Rensselaer Street. The Kid’s Area had many activities to keep the youngsters up and moving. The Bucyrus Area YMCA held many games and the Bucyrus Public Library hosted a Music, Movement, and More class.
A bounce house, the newest addition to the Kid’s Area was a crowd favorite. When asking young Corben Hedtes what he thought of the Kid’s Area and what they should keep for next month, he answered enthusiastically.
“It’s really fun! Corn-hole and bouncy house because it’s really fun!” Hedtes answered very matter-of-factly.
The night was not only exciting for First Friday goers, but also for business owners. One of the vendors of Nothing’s Better store, Teresa Hoeger said that the evening brought about a lot of business for the store.
“It’s been very busy. A lot of people going in and out, it has been good traffic for this,” Hoeger said.
All along the stretch, many sidewalk vendors and businesses had their doors open and tents up. Sue Logsdon, owner of U Be Dazzled and chairperson for First Friday Bucyrus, mentioned that many vendors actually reached out this year wanting to participate in the event. Logsdon explained that since last year was the first year, the committee for First Friday had to recruit many vendors and companies.
Since then, the word has gotten out about the success of First Friday Bucyrus and people just want a hand in the fun. This time, a food court of sorts included brat-ritas from First Baptist Church, The Bucyrus Diner, Mark’s Homemade Ice Cream, and Charlie’s Kettle Corn. Many sidewalk vendors also gave away an array of healthy snacks to keep the crowds happy and smiling.
A few attendees, Meg Hastings and daughter Aubrey came out to get some ice cream from Mark’s Homemade Ice Cream and were delighted to partake in the rest of the festivities that awaited them.
“It’s been fun! There’s been lots of live music, great ice cream. There’s lots of people! They’re smiling and happy,” Meg Hastings said.
With the success of the June edition of First Friday Bucyrus, hopes are high that the July and August editions bring just as much joy and business to the community. First Friday next month will take place on July 7 with the theme of Christmas in July.