WQIO Ohio's Super Station
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – We are roaring with excitement for Wild July First Friday presented by the Knox County Foundation. July First Friday will take place on July 7th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in Downtown Mount Vernon.
We are not lion when we say July First Friday is going to be a roar-some time – The Columbus Zoo, sponsored by the Brown Family Environmental Center, will be on the PNC Bank Main Stage on Public Square at 7:15 p.m. with some wild friends. Be sure to bring a folding chair or blanket to enjoy the show!
The A+ Autobrokers Cruise-In is back on Public Square! Experience Mount Vernon has coordinated with the folks of Mount Vernon, OH Cruise Nights to bring in classic cars for you to enjoy. Cruise-In traffic should arrive no earlier than 4:30pm when streets will be fully shut down and be in place no later than 6:00 p.m. Please note that all Cruise-In traffic should enter and exit Public Square via Gay Street and/or Chestnut Street only; Public Square will begin two-way traffic at 4:30 p.m. For more information about participating in the First Friday Cruise-In visit www.experiencemv.org/cruise-in-info. To volunteer to help park cars for the cruise-in, please email director@experiencemv.org or call/text 740-393-1481.
The MVNU Athletics Activity Zone, sponsored by ACS Title & Closing Services, will be on South Main Street, between Gambier Street and Ohio Avenue, providing activities for the whole family. Also featured in the Activity Zone is the MVFD and MVPD Touch-A-Truck sponsored by Ellis Brothers! Be sure to stop by the Ohio Avenue and South Main Street intersection to get a picture with local first responders and their vehicles.
The July Knox Foodies Food Truck Trail, sponsored by Ariel Corporation, food trucks will include, Annie’s Concessions, Mama Lupe’s, Sunny Sips, Tabouli Cafe, Joseppi’s Pizza, Woolson’s Kettle Corn, Round Hill Dairy, Buddy’s Local Eats, Truckin’ Trav, Honey Buckets, and Sweet Treats.
Head to the Key Realty Community Corner on East Gambier Street hosted by the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival to get all the updated information about their August event. Also at the Community Corner, Experience Mount Vernon and the MVMAF will go head to head in a Family Feud challenge hosted by the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium.
Still need tickets for the Mount Vernon Presents season of events? The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium will have their box office open at the Key Realty Community Corner on East Gambier Street.
Beginning at 4:00 p.m., Main Street from Chestnut Street to Ohio Avenue, including one block east and west, and Public Square will be closed to both parking and vehicle traffic. All parked vehicles should be removed from said streets by 4:00 p.m. If you have 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 off of East High Street. Experience Mount Vernon has partnered with Knox Public Health to host a Bike Valet station located in the Blue Ash Parking Lot, located on the corner of East Ohio Avenue and South Main Street. Special thanks to Martha Edelblute for the use of the lot. As part of the Active Transportation Plan, both Experience & Knox Public Health encourage those who can bike, to take advantage of this FREE service!
Save the dates for the Experience Mount Vernon season:
- August 4th: Dog Days of Summer August First Friday presented by Griffin Insurance (Featuring WNZR’s Annual Dog Parade)
- September 1st: Back to School September First Friday presented by MVNU, Kenyon, COTC, and Knox County Career Center – (featuring the educational institutions’ department fair)
- October 6th: Johnny Appleseed Apple Festival presented by the Peoples Bank of Gambier
- November 25th: Shop Small Saturday
- November 26th: Winter in Downtown Kick-Off featuring the Holiday Parade, pictures with Santa, and the Lighting of Public Square
The July First Friday will bring all your favorites to Downtown Mount Vernon! Featuring the Columbus Zoo, over 80 exhibitors, food trucks, classic car cruise-in, and many deals and activities at the Downtown shops and restaurants – there will be something for everyone at WILD JULY FIRST FRIDAY!
Media partners include 90.9 WNZR, 100. 9 WMVO, and Super Q 93.7.
Experience Mount Vernon reminds you to shop small and shop local all year long with our Shop Small Map: www.experiencemv.org/s/Shop-Small-Map-1.pdf
To learn more about First Fridays or to join the #experience, visit www.ExperienceMV.org.
