TimesLeader.com

First Friday will target college crowd

Organizers team up with colleges, universities to promote downtown event.

BRIDGET SAROFF Times Leader Intern

SCRANTON – October’s First Friday celebration in downtown Scranton will welcome a new generation of participants.

click image to enlarge

Ron Wendell recently opened an antique shop, Wendell and Co., on Wyoming Avenue, Scranton. He plans to participate in October’s First Friday celebration.

shelby fisk / the times leader

Select images available for purchase in the
Times Leader Photo Store

The organizers of First Friday have partnered with Scranton Tomorrow and the Northeast Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Universities to promote the Oct. 2 event to more than 12,000 college students in the area.

“We are trying to encourage students in Lackawanna County to come enjoy downtown Scranton,” said Lisa Sauder, executive director of First Friday Scranton.

On the first Friday of each month, downtown businesses and galleries open their doors from 6 to 9 p.m. to showcase local artists and musicians.

Many talented students will participate in the event this month. Twenty-three artists from Marywood University will display their work at the Scranton Club. The work of six Keystone College students will be exhibited at both CamiMari and Duffy Accessories, she said.

Entertainment will also be provided by an improv group from the University of Scranton as well as the school’s dance team.

Ron Wendell, owner of Wendell and Co., an antique shop on Wyoming Avenue, said the monthly celebrations are designed to appeal to the entire community. He is hopeful October’s event, tailored toward students, brings more of them downtown.

“It’s the young people that keep the city going,” Wendell said.

Both established and up-and-coming downtown businesses participate in the celebration.

Eden, a vegan cafe, on Adams Avenue, Scranton, opened its doors earlier this year and has been joining in the event. This month, the cafe will feature a selection of photographs of Ireland’s history and community by Leah Donovan, Sauder said.

Many other locations will feature photography exhibits, including GreenBeing eco-boutique, Northern Light Espresso Bar, Elm Park Parsonage, City Cafe, the Vintage Theater, Creedon’s Flower Shop, and Marc’s Tattooing.

Businesses will feature other art mediums as well and many will offer live entertainment.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., will present “Pet Art,” which will include nine artists’ works in acrylic, oil and photography.

The show will also include pets that are available for adoption, pet training, and a demonstration of basic first aid for pets.

Wendell believes that First Friday is successful in bringing commerce back to downtown.

“It’s really a great thing that they do. It really brings in business,” he said.

“People don’t realize these wonderful stores are here.”

A complete list of participating businesses and an events map will be available next week at firstfridayscranton.com.