First Friday exploring
Giveaways this month feature gift baskets
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Love filled the streets of downtown Marietta for February's First Friday event as shoppers filled downtown during evening hours and children stopped to make homemade valentines.
"This is always a great opportunity for residents to come together downtown during the cold winter months," said City Councilwoman Cindy Oxender who was enjoying some Putnam Chocolate while out on the town.
The theme for this month was The Key to Marietta's Heart. Shoppers collected keys at participating stores and would try to unlock gift baskets spread throughout downtown with goodies donated from businesses in the community. All six gift baskets were valued at more than $2,000.
"I came down hoping to unlock a gift basket," said Jo Fitch, 48, of Belpre. "I haven't had any luck yet."
Fitch said she brought a friend with her to support the small businesses of downtown.
"This event supports all the businesses and Marietta Main Street is giving us an even bigger reason to come and shop," she said.
Each basket had a theme. There was a Baker & Baker basket, a friendship basket, a basket for children, a love basket, a singles basket and "a night in" basket. Residents were on a hunt to find out which key unlocked which basket.
At Peddlers Dream Art Space for Children, youngsters were able to come in and make unique valentines to take home.
Some stores even had entertainment and refreshments for the shoppers. American Flags & Poles featured a string duet while serving ice cream despite the cold weather.
"With the love theme, strings kind of add romance to the atmosphere," said Simone Geogerian, 17, of Marietta. "It also adds attraction because not only are people coming in to shop but to hear the sounds."
Rachel Puls, 16, of Parkersburg, was one of the string performers playing her violin for residents to enjoy.
"I was nervous for this but also very excited," she said. "I've never performed in a setting like this."
Sylvi Caporale, owner of American Flags & Poles, said last month's First Friday was a success.
"This month's theme is so lovely," she said. "I'm really glad the string players could be here. They're just wonderful."
Mike Beardmore, 64, of Marietta is a member of the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce and said it's important to support the small businesses.
"Anytime I have the opportunity to support the downtown markets, I'm there," he said.
Although the theme for March's First Friday is yet to be determined, Marietta Main Street wants to continue this tradition every month.
"I enjoy the extra shopping people can do," said Shane Danford, owner of Putnam Chocolate. "Anytime we can showcase our downtown area is important. It's what really makes Marietta what it is. This is my first one because I wasn't open last month and I think it's a big hit."
Brenda Sydenstricker, owner of Sy's Place, said she likes that people now have more reason to shop locally.
"This event doesn't just bring in business for us," she said. "It also exposes downtown Marietta and makes people get out and hit the streets and enjoy.
What's next
¯Marietta Main Street hosted the second First Friday event of the year.
¯This month's theme was The Key to Marietta's Heart.
¯Six gift baskets valued at more than $2,000 were located throughout downtown.
¯Next month's theme has yet to be determined.
Source: Marietta Main Street.