Tomorrow is the first Friday of the month, and that means First Friday is back!
First Friday events are scheduled for June 2, most of them from 5 to 7 p.m. The Beach Rose, at 39 Beach Road, is offering up acoustic music by the Porch Warmers — Tom and Justin Letson. This will be a night of music refreshments and 15% of all products in the store from 5 to 8 p.m., said Andrew Letchworth, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.
Alaska Rod’s, at 126 Main St., will feature artist Geneva Randles, who will show off her fabric art at knit creations.
The Bookstore, at 223 Main St., will feature live jazz music with Crystal and Nate Miller, with special guest Ryan Laine. Meanwhile, the Pioneer Bar, at 13 Second Ave., will feature trivia night at 7 p.m. and an open mic at 9 p.m.
Port Chilkoot Distillery, at 34 Blacksmith St., will have on display acrylic, watercolor, pastels and pencils. The distillery bills the event as “controlling chaos through the mind’s eye.”
First Friday was originally the idea of Paul Wheeler and Jeanne Kitayama at the Brewery, which began featuring artists on the first Friday of the month. Then, inspired by other communities, including Juneau, it expanded into a community event.
Letchworth said the Chamber sponsors the events, along with Aspen Hotel and Alaska Marine Lines. However, he noted that the event will need to change for the future.
“We need more sponsors to keep the program going,” Letchworth said.
Letchworth hopes that he can generate additional business by advertising in other areas — Skagway, Whitehorse, Haines Junction — “to give people an excuse to come down to Haines,” he said.
If anyone has any ideas to expand First Friday, Letchworth invites people to reach him at the Chamber at 766-2066.