- Details
- Category: Current Issue
caption,page 1:
First Fridays juggler Jason Pipitone. More photos on page 4. Linda Lemmon photo.
captions, page 4:
Summer Rey Roddy, 4, of Woodstock, works on her sock puppet.
Wayne Sinclair band members.
Artist Simone DeLongchamp Germain creates an interactive piece of art for Rawson Materials 75th year celebration.
..
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Despite the obnoxious guest of a big rain cloud, the June 3 First Fridays event downtown saw more vendors and more guests. And plans for the July 1 First Fridays are lining up nicely.
The Main Street and Union Square areas were packed with artists at work, jugglers, a band in Union Square and a band at the Main Stage on the Congregational Church of Putnam’s front lawn. Plus there were vendors galore including food and games and much more.
Gary Osbrey, president of the Putnam Business Association, said: “We had a very successful First Fridays event with more vendors and more guests this month. The live music on the Putnam Area Foundation Main Stage and at Union Square was very popular and everyone really enjoyed the street performers.”
He added, “Kayla Trant and her committee run a tight ship and I am grateful for the hard work of all the volunteers who make the event possible”.
First Fridays committee chair Kayla Trant said: "June 3rd First Friday was a great turn out for vendors and attendees. So many families enjoying themselves and partaking in the interactive arts within the festival. The Community Arts featuring spin art and sock puppets was a hit. The picnic area looked well received as a community spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings. The roaming entertainment featuring Jason Pipitone had hundreds of laughs and smiles. Music from The Sugar Kings at the Main Stage and Wayne Sinclair in Union Square added to the overall ambiance of the Festival. We were fortune to have good weather till the final minutes of the festival when the storm clouds rolled in but I’ll take it as a win since the monsoon held off till the end."
The PBA’s Elaine Turner said this First Fridays had 30 percent more vendors. She got a lot of positive feedback including, from Sarah from Brooklyn: “The festive atmosphere, the street performer and the quality of vendors made it a great night!”
Turner added: “It was nice to see the restaurants full and people enjoying themselves. Many families came out ,lined up for balloon animals, face painting and Community Art Projects. The food trucks were varied as well. It was great to have places to sit and eat and listen to live music!”
As for the upcoming July 1 First Fridays, according to Trant, "We are at it again. The list is already growing with many vendors featuring their handmade goods. Our music line up is O Neal Armstrong rocking the Putnam Area Foundation Main Stage and Cody Neilson taking over Union Square. Roaming entertainment will feature a stilt walker with photo opportunities. Remember to stop by and see the works of our featured artist Pamela Lee. Kids can create ribbon dancers and slime at the upcoming Community Arts Booths. Mark your calendars for July 1st 5-9 p.pm."
.