Experience Mount Vernon has announced that the first First Friday event of 2025 will occur on June 6 in downtown Mount Vernon. The event will commemorate the city’s 220th birthday with music, food trucks, games, and themed festivities.
According to Experience Mount Vernon, the June First Friday event will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Themed "Happy 220th Birthday Mount Vernon," it will feature live music from Rewynd on the Knox Community Hospital Public Square Main Stage, performances from "9 to 5 The Musical," dance shows, games, and a Dolly Parton look-alike contest coordinated by the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium at the MTVarts Community Corner. Additionally, over 100 vendors and community exhibitors will offer local goods and interactive displays.
The Knox Foodies Food Truck Trail, sponsored by Ariel Corporation, will provide various food options around Public Square. Children’s activities include the MVNU Athletics KidZone, organized with the Teen Advisory Council, and Touch-a-Truck on West High Street, hosted by PAK United and presented by CES Credit Union. A photo booth sponsored by Flappers Bar & Grille will be available on West Gambier Street. The A+ Autobrokers Classic Car Cruise-In is set for East and West Vine Street. A free bicycle valet hosted by Get Healthy Knox County will also be offered on West Gambier Street.
Street closures for the event are scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. on June 6. Affected streets include Main Street from Chestnut Street to Ohio Avenue, as well as East and West High, Vine, and Gambier Streets from Gay Street to Mulberry Street. All parked vehicles in these areas must be removed before the closure begins.
Experience Mount Vernon is a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing Downtown Mount Vernon through events, beautification efforts, and small business support. Its initiatives include community programs such as First Fridays, Johnny Appleseed Festival, and Winter in Downtown. Beautification efforts encompass seasonal plantings, mulch application, snow removal, holiday decorations, and public art installations. The organization operates solely through funding from investorships, community contributions, and corporate sponsors. Its mission centers on maintaining an authentic local downtown environment without altering its core character.
