Experience Mount Vernon is turning back the clock to the 1980s for June First Friday, sponsored by Sara Mankins. On June 7, from 6 to 9 p.m., the streets of Downtown Mount Vernon will be transformed into a playground, celebrating the decade of the 1980s.
“We’re thrilled to team up with Sara Mankins to bring the spirit of the ‘80s to Downtown,” said Lacey Filkins, executive director of Experience Mount Vernon. “We can’t wait to see the energy and creativity the attendees and exhibitors will bring to First Friday!”
Ten food trucks around Public Square at the Knox Foodies Food Truck Trail, sponsored by Ariel Corporation and Dumbaugh Insurance, will offer various cuisine options. Fat Dog Vinyl will host a Battle of the Bands at the Burrata Woodfired Main Stage. Musicians will compete for the title of best band, playing both covers and original music. The winning group/artist will be granted bragging rights and will headline musical entertainment at August First Friday on Aug. 2.
Public Square will be alive with activity all evening with the Back to the ‘80s classic car cruise-in sponsored by A+ Autobrokers. Anyone wishing to bring a classic car to the cruise-in may do so by pre-registering at experiencemv.org/cruise-in-info by June 5. Pre-registration is free. Cruise-in check-in will begin at 4:30 p.m. on June 7.
The MTVarts cast of "Footloose" will cut loose and perform pieces from their upcoming July show on the Community Corner Stage on East Gambier Street. The crew of the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Consortium will also be on-site at the Community Corner, with their box office open and hosting fun '80s-themed game shows for all to enjoy.
The MVNU Athletics Activity Zone, sponsored by the New Directions Teen Advisory Council, will be on West Gambier Street hosting tubular activities for the whole family alongside the Sweet Treats food truck. Also featured in the Activity Zone will be the Pak United Touch-A-Truck sponsored by CES Credit Union. Be sure to stop by to get a picture with a local first responder and their vehicles.
Experience Mount Vernon has partnered with Knox Public Health to host a free bike valet station in the Blue Ash Parking Lot on the corner of East Ohio Avenue and South Main Street. As part of the Active Transportation Plan, both Experience Mount Vernon and Knox Public Health encourage those who can bike to take advantage of this free service.
Starting at 3:30 p.m., parking will close on Main Street from Chestnut Street to Ohio Avenue, including one block east and west, and around Public Square. All parked vehicles should be removed from said streets by 3:30 p.m. Streets will close to all driving traffic at 4 p.m. For questions, please contact Executive Director Lacey Filkins at 740-393-1481 (call or text) or email director@experiencemv.org. Parking can be found at Public Lots on South Gay and Mulberry Streets as well as any open street parking.
“We are inviting everyone to dust off their fanny packs, shoulder pads, and Aqua Net hairspray and join us for a journey back in time,” Filkins said. “It’s going to be an evening filled with nostalgia, laughter, and plenty of rad memories!”
Save the Dates for the Experience Mount Vernon event season:
July 5: Summer Camp July First Friday presented by Griffin Insurance (Featuring summer camp on the Square)
Aug. 2: Dog Days of Summer August First Friday presented by Freedom Fire Protection (Featuring the WNZR annual Dog Parade)
Sept. 6: Back to School September First Friday presented by The Freedom Center (Featuring the educational institutions’ department fair)
Oct. 4: The 4th Annual Johnny Appleseed Apple Festival presented by The Peoples Bank of Gambier
Nov. 30: Kick-off Winter in Downtown presented by Park National Bank with Shop Small Saturday
Dec. 1: The Annual Holiday Parade presented by Burrata Woodfired (Rain date 12/8)
Lighting of Public Square presented by Ariel Corporation
Pictures with Santa presented by the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel
Dec. 14: Pictures with Santa presented by the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel
Festival of Lights Holiday Lighting Competition presented by Knox Community Hospital
