Business

First Friday event to celebrate Kentucky Derby

MARIETTA -- The Marietta community will get a chance to shop and celebrate the Kentucky Derby on Friday.

Marietta Main Street is hosting First Friday, with this month's theme being "Kentucky Derby Day." In past years derby-themed First Fridays have sometimes coincided with the derby, but this year the Kentucky Derby is on Saturday.

The event is sponsored by the Ohio Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET) and the Ohio Department of Transportation. LECET is a partnership between Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) and signatory contractors to address issues of importance to both, according to the LECET website.

First Friday will run from 5-9 p.m. Friday and feature late shopping, events and restaurant specials, according to a Marietta Main Street media release.

"The community is encouraged to don their finest (or funniest) Derby hats and join the fun," the release said.

Luxe Parties and Picnics MOVC will be set up on the Marietta Armory lawn to meet the community and invite anyone wearing a derby hat to come have their hat judged and receive a $25 coupon for its services. Luxe is a new local business that provides luxury parties, picnics, balloon arches, garland and custom backdrops, according to the release.

Ohio Department of Transportation will also be on the Armory lawn and will have a piece of their equipment for everyone to see, the release said.

Peoples Bank Theatre will be kicking off its summer First Friday Concert series during the event. Angela Perley will perform in front of the theater, according to the release.

Many stores will be offering discounts during the derby-themed First Friday. Wit & Whimzy will be offering a 10% discount to any customer wearing a derby hat. The shop will also be hosting local authors Courtney Knoch and Emma Hyson and their new children's book, "Petie and Juno Learn About Blindness." Threadz Boutique will offer a 15% discount to customers wearing derby hats. Andy's Toy Chest will mark down all purchases 10%. Sugar Maple Boutique will have regularly priced merchandise 15% off and clearance items up to 70% off. Little Rosie Boutique will have a clearance rack, a sale bench outside the store and will offer 10% off regular purchases. Emleigh's and Mama B's will sell Salty Earth Supply T-shirts for $20 and will have a full sale rack. Penny Pinchers will offer a horse racing game for children and customers will get to pick a horse with a discount at checkout. Marietta Makery will be having a birthday celebration during which customers who make a purchase will be able to spin a prize wheel and will be entered for a chance to win a ticket to the upcoming Wine & Chocolate Walk. Hidden Marietta will have clearance items and will host a Flashlight tour at 8 p.m.

Restaurants will also have specials during First Friday, according to the release. Over the Moon Pub and Pizza will have a drink special for $5 for a drink called the Riverboat Gambler and local singer Soph Stevens will perform at the restaurant from 6-9 p.m. The Levee House Bistro will feature fresh seafood on the menu. Jeremiah's Coffee House will have derby pie and derby lattes. The Lafayette Hotel will also offer special items during First Friday, but the release did not list any details.

There will be more than just discounts and special food items. The release said Clutch Collective will feature the artists behind Beard and Bun Potter, Tim Bennett and Eva Bennett. They will show off a variety of their pottery art, many of which will have the theme "In Bloom." Tabletop Puzzles and Games will be open late. Rockstar Wellness will host the ROCKsies tap group at 5:30 p.m. and it will open registration for its new 21 Day Challenge. Just a Jar Design Press will release a new print design.

Marietta Main Street organizes First Friday events to be "a celebration of our local community and an opportunity for locals, tourists, and area groups to show their support for our town, have fun, and enjoy the beauty of vibrant, historic downtown Marietta," the release said.

To learn more about Marietta Main Street and First Friday visit www.mariettamainstreet.org.