On Friday evening Middletown’s streets were humming with pedestrian traffic as people flocked to live music, art exhibits, food vendors, an open mic, a farmers’ market, wine tasting, and, to the delight of the kids, a water slide. “First Fridays in Middletown” is a monthly event during the warm weather that has been steadily growing in size since its inception last summer.
This last Friday there was live music at nine venues around the town. Considering both street food vendors and restaurants, food options included Mexican, Ethiopian, Filipino/Hawaiian, Thai, Chinese and sourdough pizza baked in a cob oven.
“Water Fun Splash Zone” was the theme this month and kids were lined up outside the Middletown Car Wash to take a ride down the water slide.
“I had parents and kids who showed up at 4:30 p.m. and didn’t leave until 9 p.m.,” said car wash owner Courtney Van Leuven.
According to one of the event’s organizers, Fairlight Ahlgren, the aim of First Fridays is “to encourage support of local business and to promote ‘micro-entrepreneurship’ and cottage industry as a viable, attractive option for people living in Lake County.” Ahlgren’s organization, Phoenix Collaborative, has partnered with local businesses and non-profits to stage the events as the South County area works to recover from fire losses, including that in May of the Middletown Hardester’s Market.
Ahlgren named several organizations that have been crucial for the events’ success: Middletown Area Merchants Association, Middletown Art Center, and Middletown Community Farmers Market.
The theme for August 3 will be “Wellness Cafe,” spotlighting options for health and healing. On September 7 the focus will be a fashion show.
