By Courtney Taylor
news@wbcowqel.com

The 90-degree weather at Galion’s second Third Friday event was a far cry from the cold and dreariness of last month. The pleasant weather drew a large crowd, as families joined Uptowne to enjoy the friendly atmosphere of local friends and businesses.

“This event is better by far than the first. It’s gorgeous out as opposed to the rain. The traffic is great, more families are coming out, and we’re thrilled,” said Member Engagement Director Miranda Jones of the Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce.

One attraction for the theme of Safety Service Appreciation was fire extinguisher training that attracted nearly 100 people. The training was followed by performances by the Galion Area Band and the Eagle Dance Center competition team, and a showing of the Galion Fire Department’s aerial truck.

Also featured were characters from Beauty and the Beast, the current musical at the Galion Community Theatre. Characters Gaston and Cogsworth made their rounds and interacted with kids at the event.

There was evidence everywhere of people taking advantage of the specials offered by local businesses. Many people had boxes of pizza from Payne’s or food off the grill from Chris’ Big Plate Diner.

Also featured were booths not necessarily from local businesses. Galion’s Girl Scout troop rented a space for their bake sale. Along with handmade bracelets and necklaces, the Girl Scouts offered an assortment of baked treats in exchange for donations.

“We’re raising money for the Girl Scout trip to Savannah, Georgia, which is the birthplace of the founder of Girl Scouts. We’re very close to our goal,” said Girl Scout Julia Conner.

Another tent was used by Patricia Ratliff, executive director at the Bucyrus Tourism and Visitors Bureau.

“We help plan tours for two to 50 people, and a variety of other services. Organizations can send in their info and we’ll help get the word out and help organize,” said Ratliff, who had many different pamphlets and books advertising events in the area.

These Third Friday events are clearly turning out to be a great and effective way to bring the community closer together and also bring more enthusiasm and business to the locals.

The next Third Friday event will take place on July 21 in Uptowne Galion.

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