(Photo Illustration - MetroCreative)

MARIETTA — Marietta Main Street is kicking off November with First Friday on Friday sponsored by Memorial Health System.

The November theme is “Thanks for Giving” and runs from 5-9 p.m.

Marietta Main Street is partnering with the Salvation Army of Washington County for its “Recycle The Cheer” event. The community is invited to bring donations of holiday decorations, new or used, to the Armory Lawn from 5-7 p.m. to be collected by the Salvation Army.

The decorations will be distributed to area families to spread the cheer and brighten their holiday season.

Also on the Armory lawn, Artsbridge and other nonprofits will be set up in the kids zone. Sips coffee truck will be on hand serving a selection of beverages.

At Clutch Collective, Parkhurst Dining of Marietta College will sell raffle tickets for its Caring For Kids basket raffle. The Caring for Kids campaign benefits Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus and the prize baskets have been donated by residents and local businesses. Tickets will be $1 each or six for $5 and the drawing will be held on Dec. 6.

Next door, Wit & Whimzy will raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Every cash donation regardless of size will earn a raffle ticket to win a gift card for Wit & Whimzy.

Teri Ann’s will host the Windy Ridge Forge with its handcrafted knives and other items. American Flags and Poles will host Grace’s Cakes with baked goods and Vanessa with her line of Colorstreet products.

All turkey decorations and yard art will be 25% off, and the $17 candle of the month is Cranberry Cider.

Visitors to Dad’s Primitive Workbench can experience a holiday wonderland with seven holiday themes. Emleigh’s and Mama B’s will have a $10 sale rack while Sugar Maple Boutique will offer 15% off regularly priced merchandise. They also will host One Left Bakery with a selection of sweets.

Live music will be available at First City Records with the Athens band Learner performing in the store. The store also will debut new products for the holidays.

At Little Rosie Boutique, shoppers will receive 10% off purchases and the store will feature its custom trucker hat bar. Schafer Leather, MOVE Staffing and Marietta Makery will all be open late to join the festivities and JustaJar Design Press will have posters on sale.

Gold Line Jewelers will have mined diamonds at 30-40% off while lab grown diamonds and Moissanite will be 30% off. Shoppers will receive a $20 gift card with every $100 purchase at Threadz Boutique.

Some restaurants will offer special promotions and events for the evening. The Levee House Bistro will be open and serving from its menu. The Lafayette Hotel will have live music in the lobby along with dinner and drink specials. Jeremiah’s Coffee House customers can save 10% when they pre-order holiday bakery items.

Over the Moon Pub & Pizza will host the Gypsy River Band from 7-10 p.m. and offer Apple Cider Martinis for $6. In Harmar Village, visitors to the Gateway Healing Center can experience the New Moon Sound Bath from 6- 7 p.m. for $10. They can also take advantage of the self-guided Intention setting ceremony for the New Moon throughout the evening.

Downtown First Friday events take place the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. January through December. Highlights include late shopping, artists and musicians, area organizations and various activities tied into the theme. Each First Friday is a celebration of the community and an opportunity for locals, tourists and groups to show their support of the town, have fun and enjoy vibrant, historic downtown Marietta.