MOUNT VERNON – Experience Mount Vernon is thrilled to announce September First Friday generously sponsored by The Freedom Center.
This vibrant community event will be held on Friday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m., and aims to transform Downtown Mount Vernon into a hub of activity, entertainment, and back-to-school celebrations.
This month’s First Friday will feature an exciting array of highlighted departments and services hosted by Knox County’s premier educational institutions: Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU); the Knox County Schools Career and Technical Center; Kenyon College, and Central Ohio Technical Center (COTC) on Public Square.
These institutions will showcase their diverse programs, offering valuable insights and opportunities for community members of all ages.
Photos by Emily Morrison Arts courtesy of Experience Mount Vernon.
Highlights
- Educational Department Fair on Public Square: Explore offerings and activities hosted by MVNU, COTC, Knox County Schools Career & Technical Center, and Kenyon College. Meet faculty and students, learn about various programs, and discover educational pathways that can help shape your future.
- Photo Booth on Public Square: Meghan Decker Photography will return with a special Back to School photo booth on Public Square (facing east). Be sure to check it out and round out your First Friday photo booth photo collection!
- Live Music: Enjoy live music on the Burrata Woodfired Main Stage from Musical duo Hall & Eyer all evening.
- Food Trucks: Check out the Knox Foodies Food Truck Trail sponsored by Ariel Corporation around Public Square.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in fun, interactive activities for all ages at the MVNU Cougar Athletics Activities Zone sponsored by the Knox County Teen Advisory Council of New Directions Shelter and Touch-a-Truck hosted by Pak United and sponsored by Ellis Brothers on West Gambier Street.
- MTVarts Cast of The Little Mermaid, Jr.: MTVarts is back this month at the East Gambier Street Community Corner sponsor with the cast of The Little Mermaid, Jr. Don’t miss this opportunity to to get a sneak peek of their upcoming show!
- FREE Bicycle Valet: Knox Public Health will host their free bicycle valet in the Blue Ash Plaza Parking Lot. Don’t hassle with parking; ride your bike!
- Over 100 vendors/exhibitors.
Experience Mount Vernon is excited to welcome Hall & Eyer to the First Friday Burrata Woodfired Main Stage.
A musical duo from the Mount Vernon area, Hall & Eyer, have come together to form a multi-talented duo playing classic rock favorites, with country, pop, and R&B too.
Electric & acoustic guitar, keys, blues harp, harmonic vocals, and a backbeat that will make you want to move your feet are the signature of this fun and entertaining duo.
Bring your dancing shoes and a lawn chair to enjoy the music all evening.
“We are excited to partner with The Freedom Center and our local educational institutions to bring this enriching experience to Downtown Mount Vernon,” said Lacey Filkins, Executive Director of Experience Mount Vernon.
“This First Friday event is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to connect, learn, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Mount Vernon.”
Whether you’re looking to explore educational opportunities, enjoy local entertainment and food, or simply spend a pleasant evening Downtown, there will be something for everyone at September First Friday.
Main Street from Chestnut Street to Ohio Avenue, including East/West High Street, East/West Vine Street, and East/West Gambier Street from Gay to Mulberry, and Public Square will be closed to parked traffic at 3:30 p.m. and thru traffic at 4 p.m. Parking can be found at Public Lots on South Gay and Mulberry Streets.
Experience Mount Vernon has partnered with Knox Public Health to host a FREE bicycle valet station in the Blue Ash Plaza Parking Lot, located on the corner of East Ohio Avenue and South Main Street.
Special thanks to Martha Edelblute for allowing the use of the lot. As part of the Active Transportation Plan, both Experience & Knox Public Health encourage those who can bike to take advantage of this FREE service.
Save the dates for Experience Mount Vernon
- Oct. 4: 4th Johnny Appleseed Apple Festival presented by the Peoples Bank of Gambier
- Nov. 30 to Dec. 14: Winter in Downtown: A Vintage Holiday Celebration sponsored by Park National Bank
- Nov. 30: Shop Small Saturday
- Dec. 1:
- 3:45 p.m.: Annual Holiday Parade sponsored by Burrata Woodfired (rain date 12/8/24)
- 4:15 p.m.: Festive Family Fun on Public Square
- 5 p.m.: Lighting of Public Square sponsored by Ariel Corporation
- 5:30 to 7 p.m.: Pictures with Santa sponsored and hosted by the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel
- Dec. 14:
- 4:30 to 6 p.m.: Pictures with Santa sponsored and hosted by the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel
- 6 p.m.: Kick-off to Festival of Lights Lighting Competition sponsored by Knox Community Hospital.
About Experience Mount Vernon
Experience Mount Vernon is a 501c3 non-profit organization that aims to energize and strengthen an authentic and uniquely downtown experience through community-wide events, beautification projects, and small business support.
Visit www.experiencemv.org for more information.