Greencastle First Friday to celebrate Independence Day

First Friday celebrates the Independence Day holiday in Greencastle with its July 1 date. First Friday is one evening each month where the downtown shops stay open from 5 to 8 p.m. and get together with local artists, vendors and performers for an evening of entertainment, food and shopping.

Music will be in the air courtesy of anyone who wants to. Deejay Ryan Stahl of RS Entertainment will be set up on the square for karaoke for anyone to showcase their pipes.

The latest First Friday contest is sure to be a hit. Pick up a game card at any participating merchant or at the First Friday table. Complete the word search card and return it to the First Friday table by 7:45 p.m. for a chance to win a U.S. flag donated by Representative Todd Rock. The drawing will be held at 8 p.m. If the winner is not present, the winner will be contacted by telephone and can pick up the flag at the Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce during regular business hours.

This year First Friday has wine and beer tastings at each event. This month, Tuscarora Mountain Winery will be featuring their wines at their location, and John Allison Public House will have a few brews to sample from Long Trail Brewing Company. In addition, Highline Coffeehouse and Cafe will have coffee tastings and free frozen frappes for word search card holders.

Instead of cooking that night, consider stopping by one of the downtown restaurants for dinner. Pure & Simple Café will be staying open during the event, and Highline Coffeehouse & Café will have coffee tastings and free frozen frappes to all visiting game card holders. For a snack, Mrs. Gibbles and Mason Dixon BBQ will have samples on hand, and for dessert, Mikie's Ice Cream and Sweet Pea Desserts will be selling sweet treats on the square. Tracey's Orchard will also have fresh cherries for sale.

The Greencastle Area Arts Council and the Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce have invited many artists and vendors to share their talents. Weather permitting, many of the participants will be set up outside. Also, Cindy Blackstock, a children's storyteller, will be located at Fran Kenawell's State Farm office on the square.

Metered parking is free after 6 p.m.