First (Friday) Things First

I really enjoyed Saturday’s Winterfest Parade and I hope you did too. Despite the cold and windy snap we had earlier in the week our weather and temperatures Saturday were, I think, perfect for the season. 

Kudos to the parade organizers, Norwich Events! And a hearty (if belated) thank you for your efforts (along with the sponsors and all of the assorted helpers) who enabled our city to remind everyone (again) why Norwich was named Connecticut’s Christmas City all those years ago.

In years past when the afternoon shadows grew long after the parade we’d gather at City Hall but as of last year the annual Lighting of City Hall now kicks off the First Friday Downtown Norwich, and last one for this year, which is the day after tomorrow. 

If history holds true, hundreds (if not more like a thousand or so) of us will fill every place and space surrounding City Hall to enjoy the carols, the skits, the singalongs and (of course) the countdown to, and lighting, of one of the most beautiful public buildings in all of New England.  

From a Light Up City Hall of Years Past

And, while we're downtown Friday, we can now also enjoy an ever-expanding offering of attractions and events to include art gallery openings and shows at downtown theaters the artists and merchants who call downtown home have to offer. First Friday is a catchy title to jot down on the planning calendar and the sights, sounds, moments, and attractions are an invitation and enticement to stop and enjoy downtown delights.

First Friday is organized by the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, and is a cooperative effort between and among galleries, theatres, businesses, civic organizations, and local artists to include painters, sculptors, actors, musicians, culinary experts, authors, and photographers to offer all of us a night they hope we'll long remember (and remind us in perhaps some subtle ways that we can have evenings just like it all the other days of the week that end in ‘y’ whether they’re first or otherwise).

Here’s a (by no means complete) listing of places to visit including Encore Justified, Gallery at the Wauregan Inc., Monocle on Broadway, Norwich Arts Center, The Art House of Norwich, Reliance Health, Inc., NAC Gallery, Bold As Love Artisan Guild, Central Baptist Church, Bully-Busters; Reliance Health Gallery, restaurant, and ArtSpace Norwich. And there’s also a book signing with Lottie B. Scott, author of "Deep South, Deep North, A Family's Journey".

And yet another Light Up Past

If you get hungry or thirsty (or both), First Friday has something for every palette with Billy Wilson's Ageing Still, Craftsman Cliff Roasters, Epicure Brewing, Harp & Dragon, Ice & Fire, La Stella Pizzeria, Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant, Namoo, The Royal Punjabi, These Guys Brewing Co. LLC, and Strange Brew (plus whoever I forgot).

The great thing about community events like these is because so many neighbors and friends work to create them and so many more enjoy them, first they become great memories and then, wonderful traditions we all can share. See you Friday? Of course!

-bill kenny