As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, downtown Marietta is preparing for a “Back to School” August First Friday, hosted by Marietta Main Street and sponsored by Memorial Health Systems.

The monthly tradition runs from 5-9 p.m. today and features late shopping, dining specials, music, pop up artists and more.

Memorial Health Systems will have tents set up on the Armory lawn. Artsbridge, Ely Chapman, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and Veritas will be in the Kid Zone. Also on the Armory lawn will be the MOV’n Dragons, the OSU Extension Office Master Gardeners, the Boy Scouts, Marietta College, Washington State College of Ohio, and the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

The community is encouraged to take advantage of Ohio’s tax-free holiday and save on all eligible purchases. In addition to no sales tax, many retailers are offering more savings and specials.

At Dad’s Primitive Workbench, all clothing will be Buy One Get One 50% off. Nearby, Sugar Maple Boutique will offer 15% off all regularly priced merchandise. The shop will also be hosting Sunday’s Best permanent jewelry and Kate Made baked goods. Threadz Boutique will have its sixth annual Back to School Sale for all school employees. The boutique will be hosting Posie and Pals with their t-shirt bar. Just a few doors down, Emleigh’s and Mama B’s will also be having a Back to School Sale.

At Wit and Whimzy, local pottery artist Dave Brown will be on site with his pottery wheel. The community is invited to meet and watch him work and browse his pottery products. Owner Laura Pytlik is looking forward to the monthly event and hosting an artist.

“Dave is a talented artist, and his pottery is both beautiful and functional. I know people will enjoy watching his process as he creates. And it’s a great time to take advantage of the no-tax savings!”

Next door, Clutch Collective is hosting watercolor artist Corrissa Flesher with her original paintings, prints and paper goods.

At River City Spaces, purchases will be entered to win a $25 gift card. Green Acres will host the Humane Society, and volunteers will be on hand with some furry friends looking for their forever homes. In addition, Psychic Ronda will be doing readings, $20 for a 20 minute reading. American Flags and Poles will feature 25% off all farm décor, excluding flags.

There will be plenty of live music for the community to enjoy, including a live outdoor concert in front of Peoples Bank Theatre. Beginning at 6 p.m., Jake Eddy will perform, and people are encouraged to bring a chair for this DORA friendly event. Over the Moon Pub & Pizza will host the Gypsy River Band from 6:30-9:30 p.m., while First City Records will host singer songwriter Steve Hussey for his FCR debut. The store will also release its newest vinyl collection. The Lafayette Hotel will feature a dinner and cocktail/happy hour special.

Downtown First Friday events take place the first Friday of every month February through December. Highlights of these events include late shopping, artists and musicians, area organizations and various activities tied into the theme. Each First Friday is a celebration of the local community and an opportunity for locals, tourists and area groups to show their support for the town, have fun and enjoy the beauty of vibrant, historic downtown Marietta.

To learn more about Marietta Main Street, upcoming events, and programs, visit the Marietta Main Street website at: www.mariettamainstreet.org.

Marietta Main Street is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to downtown revitalization using community and economic development and historic preservation strategies. Featured events and programs include First Fridays, Build Up Marietta building and business improvement grant program, downtown beautification, public art, Main Street West, small business support, Hometown Holidays, and more.