First Friday begins ‘24 season with fun, festivities

(The Hoot News photos by J. Romano)

Columbia City Connect’s First Friday of the 2024 season kicked off last Friday evening. With perfect weather and an enthusiastic crowd, the event made for a great community celebration — bringing together scores of residents to visit booths, shop, enjoy live entertainment and have some fun!

Above, choreographer April Frazier and artist Doug Egolf set up the Columbia City Art Commission’s booth, hoping to connect with other local artists and supporters of the growing art community in Whitley County.

There were abundant “ooohs and ahhhs” as crowds watched the BMX stunt demonstration at First Friday. Above, Rich Hoppe rolls down the ramp awaiting the start of the show with the Wonder Wheels BMX stunt team.

Kay Fleck and Jessica Burkett of Giving Gardens prepare for their annual plant giveaway during First Friday last weekend.

Members of the Whitley County Master Gardeners, above, were present to answer questions and share gardening expertise with those who stopped by their First Friday booth.

The Columbia City Tree Board participated in First Friday with a booth where they had a tree giveaway, invited potential volunteers to sign up for future tree planting events and provided some fun children’s activities. Above, Tree Board members Janice Daniel and Bryan Smethers were ready to welcome visitors.