Photo by Janelle Patterson Lisa LaDu, right, and Linda McDougal color bookmarks while sharing wine at the Riverside Artists Gallery Friday during the First Fridays Wine and Chocolate Walk.

MARIETTA — Despite the chill of Friday evening, Marietta’s downtown shops and restaurants saw crowds out for wine and chocolate.

“I saw this (First Fridays event) on Marietta Main Street’s website and knew I had to come down,” said Lisa LaDu, of Columbus, who plans on retiring to Marietta within the next year. “And I’m already compiling a list of things I want to buy down here for the house.”

That list of things grew longer as she browsed through the Riverside Artists Gallery Friday with her friend Linda McDougal, of Marietta.

“She’s moving closer so we’ll get to do more soon,” said McDougal as the pair shared a glass of wine while making bookmarks with one of the gallery’s founding members, Virginia Killian.

“I think these First Fridays events have really been successful. I was skeptical at first but I think people have gotten used to the idea that there’s always going to be something to do on the first (Friday) of the month and I hope they come in and see the value of original art,” said Killian. “Trying to make a living off of our creations can be tough so it’s good to see people here and looking and buying.”

Photo by Janelle Patterson Susan Igo pours a flight of wine at the Marietta Wine Cellars Friday during the First Fridays Wine and Chocolate Walk with Marietta Main Street.

Next door with live music from Matt VanFossen coming from the dining room of the Marietta Wine Cellars, Jessie Berdine, 29, of Ritchie County, met with her mother Sharon Berdine to enjoy a wine tasting and some chocolates.

“I work at the hospital and this is only our second first Friday,” said Jessie. “But the next stop is Peoples Bank Theatre for another flight and we even got some Putnam’s Chocolates.”

Meanwhile, Susan Igo, an employee of the Wine Cellars, said the night was successful early as the crowds tried to beat the cold with a little liquid.

“It’s a little crazy, especially those wanting our limited edition Raspberry Kiss wine,” she said while filling glasses. “We have definitely had more sweet wine drinkers than dry tonight, though.”

In all there seemed to be a more adult crowd throughout downtown due to this month’s theme: Wine and Chocolate. Next month, March 2 is expected to turn out gatherings of all ages as nonprofits partner with shops to recruit volunteers and highlight their impact in Marietta.

Nonprofits are encouraged to sign up online at bit.ly/2BBapsH to join the current count of 35 already registered.

Marietta College will also be offering hot cocoa and giveaways for each participating nonprofit and raffle tickets will be given to all those who stop by nonprofit booths during the community volunteer fair.