First Friday returns to downtown Greencastle

First Friday in Greencastle. It's back, and it should be better than ever.

May 6 marks the first First Friday of the season. First Friday is one evening each month where the downtown shops stay open from 5 to 8 p.m. and team up with local artists, vendors, and performers for an evening of entertainment, food and shopping.

Just in time for Mother's Day, First Friday will be raffling off a gift basket full of wonderful items donated by the downtown merchants. Each store visited increases the chances of winning. At each store, each family will be given a raffle ticket that can be filled out and dropped off at the First Friday table on the square. All tickets must be submitted by 7:45 p.m. with the drawing held at 8 p.m. If the winner is not present at the time of the drawing, the winner will be contacted by telephone and can pick up the gift basket at the chamber of commerce during regular business hours.

For patrons’ listening pleasure, First Friday will present various groups from the Greencastle-Antrim High School Music Department. These talented individuals will be performing on the square in front of Fran Kenawell's State Farm office.

Clarissa's School of Dance will be presenting a zumba demonstration at Ted Mercado's State Farm office from 7 to 8 p.m.

This year First Friday will have 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 be featuring samples from Yuengling Brewery in their banquet facility.

Downtown restaurants will be open for dinner. For dessert, Mikie's Ice Cream will be selling sweet treats on the square.

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 and showcasing monoprinting, printmaking, model railroad techniques, Shaker boxes, photography, homemade soaps, jewelry and  marker art. Also, Gallery 7 will be open at 107 E. Baltimore St. and will be displaying the work of artists from the area.

To round out First Friday, Coffeehouse Poetry Night will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and Cindy Blackstock, a children's storyteller, will be located at Bentley's Old Mill Bakery and Barbeque.