Xenia Merchants to Celebrate August First Friday with Live Entertainment, Great Food, and Special Events **UPDATED**

Building on the success of  their July First Friday celebration, the merchants of downtown Xenia will once again open their doors from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, August 7th, offering a range of shopping and dining specials, giveaways, and plenty of live entertainment. Musicians will perform, artists will have exhibits in stores and on the sidewalks. Kids can enjoy face painting, magic, balloon animals, and a juggling act.

"We’re hoping to build a greater sense of community and an appreciation for local artists, as well as to let people know there’s a lot available in Xenia,” says First Fridays co-coordinator Elizabeth Svendsen, of Blue Jacket Books.  “It should be a nice, family-friendly environment, and we invite everyone to take a leisurely stroll around town and enjoy themselves.”

The schedule of events includes:

-Margaritaville Party with Limbo and Hula Hoop contests at Fox Antiques
-Juggling Act at Toward Independence
-Live Music with folk singer Bob Ford and 25¢ paperbacks at Blue Jacket Books
-Delicious Smoothie Sensations at Always Beautiful Salon
-Sidewalk Chalk Art and Digital Scrapbooking Demo at Network Experts
-Art Exhibit with Food and Wine at Byuti 73
-Free Massages and Beauty Tips at CJ's Boutique
-Free Dessert with daily special and complementary popcorn for all at Oasis Cafe
-Silent Auction and Flower and Balloon giveaway at The Flower Stop
-Art Exhibit at Homestead Frames and Art
-Karaoke on the Lawn, plus Sample Wings and Lasagna at Holiday Inn
-Live Gospel Music at Mary's Odds and Ends
-Magic and Balloon Animals by Dave Davis
-Cake Tasting at the Sweets Boutique
-Kiddie Sandbox and Mystery Discount Scavenger Hunt at Homemade Uniques
-Drawing for gift certificates and photo merchandise from Walgreens
-Free gift bags at JB Wireless
-Free samples and hot dog specials at Vergie's (131 Cincinnati Ave)
-Tea Tasting at Heaven on Earth Emporium
-Free Reflexology at Xenia Shoe and Leather
-Face Painting and Sidewalk Craft Vendors
-XTown RC car demos and wings with chips catered by Nick's.
-Beach Party at Nick's (1443 N. Detroit), 6 PM to Close. Live music on the Patio.


First Fridays will continue on the first Friday of each month in the Fall. The event is free to the public and to participating artists. For more information, visit the events page at the Xenia Area Merchants Association web site, www.visitxenia.com.