CAMDEN — First Friday is set to host its last event for the year this weekend.
The theme for November’s First Friday Market will be “Home for the Holidays” and will be from 6 — 9 p.m. on Friday in downtown Camden.
“For the last market of our 2019 season, we wanted to usher everyone into the holiday season with a heartwarming tribute to our Military,” a First Friday news release states. “You will find many ways to honor as well as give to those who always help to ensure our freedoms.”
The market will start on one end of Washington St. with a trailer showcasing the logo for each branch of the military along with the American Flag and will end on the one end of Washington with another trailer highlighting “Operation Christmas Child” that will be provided by
Woodfield Trucking.
There will also be a special booth with Huck Plyer — the grandson of Bill and Dotty Harris of Camden, and the innovator of “Huck’s Military Care Package Program” — close to his scarecrow at the corner of Washington and Adams. Aerojet Rocketdyne will be highlighting “Operation Gratitude” which is a program that gives back to the military and their families.
Lifeshare will be on hand conducting a blood drive during the market.
The event will have a variety of vendors set up along Washington and Adams selling everything from art, clothing, refurbished furniture and jewelry.
Zay O’Neil’s Catering will feature items such as Cajun Chicken, Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, Alfredo Parmesan Wings, and Loaded Chicken Bacon & Ranch Fries. Street taco vendors and great homemade soups and hot chocolate will also be available down town during the market.
First Friday is encouraging attendees to make their way to the special community table that will be set up on Adams Ave. On the tables you will find “Thankful Trees” where everyone can fill out one of the leaves with what they are thankful for and hang it on one of the trees.
Judy McCarver is the featured author for the month and will be at A Frame of Mind with her book, “Parenting with Gumption and Grit”. The featured artist is Shuimei (Mei) Zhang who has been a common face to the First Friday festivities with her face painting. This week she will display some of her art.
Local musician Mike Smith will be at the corner of Washington & Adams and the local National Guard Unit will be on the parking lot of Farmers Bank and Trust. They will be bringing a mobile gaming trailer, obstacle course and pedal cars for all to enjoy.
Attendees can also cast their vote for their favorite scarecrow while at the marker. Downtown merchants will be open later as well.