Experience Downtown Mount Vernon announced that June First Friday: Shake, Rattle, & Roll Downtown will take place on June 5 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in downtown Mount Vernon. The event is free and open to the public, offering live entertainment, activities, food, and more than 85 exhibitors and vendors.
Attendees can enjoy live music by Project Roundtable on the Edward Jones Main Stage at Public Square. The Community Spotlight, sponsored by MTVarts, will present sneak peek performances by the MTVarts cast of Grease. There will also be a special 1950s edition of Name That Tune hosted by Experience Mount Vernon Events Chair Ian Ernsberger. Guests can visit the Words on Wheels Bus for a free book provided by Giving Hope Charity.
More than ten food trucks sponsored by Ariel Corporation will be located throughout Public Square, West Vine Street, and West Gambier Street. An improved Activity Zone on South Main Street will offer games hosted by MVNU Athletics, free glitter tattoos with Creations 2 Dye 4, make-and-take crafts with Experience Mount Vernon volunteers, and an expanded Touch-a-Truck experience featuring vehicles from United Aggregates, Chevrolet GMC of Mount Vernon, the Fire Department, and Police Department.
Additional activities include an archery trailer provided by Knox County Fish and Game Association on East High Street and a 1950s-themed photo booth sponsored by the Teen Advisory Council at Public Square. Attendees can also collect limited edition First Friday temporary tattoos at the Experience Mount Vernon information table.
The event marks the debut of the First Friday Passport for children under twelve. Participants can earn stamps each month for completing activities; those who collect all four months’ stamps are entered into a drawing for a $150 downtown experience gift card redeemable at over thirty locations.
Street closures begin at 2:00 p.m., with full road access closed starting at 3:00 p.m., affecting several streets including Main Street between Chestnut Street and Ohio Avenue and all of Public Square. A cruise-in will not be part of this event. Free bicycle valet parking is available on West Vine Street through Get Healthy Knox County. More details are available in the organization's press release.
