On any given Friday night during the spring, summer, and early fall in North Alabama, you can stroll down the middle of downtown streets that have been blocked off, visiting with neighbors, greeting old friends and making new ones, while being thoroughly entertained.
Craft vendors, live musicians or a DJ cranking out popular tunes, bouncy houses for the kids, and food trucks are just a few of the reasons to get in the thick of the action. Stores lining the streets stay open longer, and many times classic or otherwise snazzy cars will be on display. There's no admission charge. Just bring a few dollars for food or for a craft that catches your eye. It feels so good to be out around your fellow human beings having a good time in a festival atmosphere.
In Florence and Gadsden, the event happens on the First Fridays of the month.
In Cullman, they observe Second Fridays.
In Decatur, Third Fridays bring folks to 2nd Avenue, and in Anniston, they crank up the fun on Fourth Fridays.
Athens has something called Fridays After Five. The next one will be on August 6th and is held in conjunction with the Summer Concert Series. Take your lawn chairs and set them up near the courthouse steps to enjoy the music.
If you've been cooped up in your office all week or you just need a good excuse to get out of the house, there's bound to be a Friday event near you that will lift your spirits. Steve and I thoroughly enjoyed the one in Decatur last week and will be looking for another celebration near us very soon.
FANCY CARS
CHILDREN'S ART ON DISPLAY inside the Alabama Center for the Arts for the Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama
A FEW OF THE FOOD TRUCKS
TENTS FOR CRAFTERS
INFLATABLES ON THE GRASSY AREA
And, if you want to take your dancing shoes, I suspect there will be music for showcasing your special moves. :) Or, if you're like me, you'll enjoy watching.