Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 5, 1990 TAG: 9004040250
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TRACY WIMMER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
No, not a Republican convention.
First Fridays at Five.
The after-business-hours social benefit, held on three Fridays last summer, brought folks together at downtown's Century Square for a little goodwill and cheer - from 5 to 8 p.m.
Organizers, city officials and restaurant owners agree the event has proven its worth. From the first social in August 1989 until the final one last October, the crowd jumped from 800 to 1,800 people and the donation to charity rose from $1,200 to $2,000.
After incorporating the event and electing an 11-member board in January, First Fridays organizers expanded the season from April through October. Friday marks the first social of the season - same place, same time.
Barry Simmerman, one of the event's creators and now president of the board, said he felt First Fridays was quite successful considering how little he and fellow organizers actually knew when they started planning it.
Aside from the obvious monetary and exposure benefits for selected charities, Simmerman said First Fridays was also responsible for bringing people downtown that otherwise might not usually come. Business cards collected at each event revealed a lot people coming from Salem and the Peters Creek Road area, he said.
"We've actually had no complaints at all," Simmerman said.
Roanoke Special Events Coordinator Laban Johnson said he's delighted with outcome of First Fridays, noting that events hold a lot of business downtown and is the "sophisticated event we need more of to reach younger citizens."
Business increases by about 20 percent on the nights of the events, according to Greg Winslow, bartender at 309 First Street Restaurant.
And John Williams, owner of Billy's Ritz, said that although Friday is the restaurant's big night anyway, First Fridays have had an impact on his business.
But above all, the event is meant for fun. It gives professionals - young or old - a chance to kick off their weekend in a relaxed atmosphere.
Music throughout the season will be primarily jazz. The Ross Humphries Trio will perform Friday. Proceeds will go to the Literacy Foundation.
A $1 admission is charged. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be sold. The Roanoke Jaycees will handle manpower for the event.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be held on the third floor of the Market Building.
by CNB