Scouting event part of monthly art walk

ASHLAND, Ky. — Ashland in Motion sets up camp for September’s First Friday, as local Boy and Girl Scout troops celebrate their organizations successes during the Sept. 2 event.

First Friday takes place from 5-9 p.m. on Friday. The downtown Ashland event spans Winchester Avenue from 14th Street to 18th Street. The remaining date for the 2016 First Friday season is Oct. 7.

Hosted by local Boy and Girl Scout troops, the third annual Scouting Kick-Off Block Party joins First Friday for its yearly celebration. The Block Party features free and fun activities for the whole family, as well an opportunity to receive first-hand information about the organizations.

Activities for the scouting block party include Scout-themed games, fashion shows, puppet shows, Girl Scout cookie sampling, Pinewood Derby, Rain Gutter Regatta, mini campsites and a mobile gaming center. The block party will be located at the intersection of Winchester Avenue and 16th Street.

Featured musician for the September event is local favorite and bluegrass sensation, Rob McNurlin. McNurlin is well-known throughout the region and has been featured on Mountain Stage, Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour and Music from the Mountains. First Friday music is sponsored by Marathon Petroleum Corporation.

Ashland Animal Rescue Fund (AARF) will also make a stop at the downtown event with the organization’s recently acquired mobile adoption vehicle. The vehicle was donated to the non-profit organization in early August by KDMC to assist in the transportation of sheltered animals. AARF will be stationed on Winchester Avenue outside the First Presbyterian Church with a carload of pets. All dogs and cats present at the event are eligible for pet adoption.

Returning to First Friday are taste bud pleasers, The Ambassador and Kona Ice. The Ambassador mobile restaurant will feature menu items from their Park Place location, while Kona Ice will be on deck to cool off the crowd.

First Friday will also feature inflatables for children and Downtown Live, Ashland in Motion’s classic car show.

Downtown Live invites all classic car owners to show off their vintage vehicles and connect with area car enthusiasts. To participate, simply park your car in the designated Downtown Live area after 3 p.m. during monthly First Friday events. Downtown Live volunteers will be on-site to answer questions and collect registration fees.

Registration is only $5 and is optional, although registration fees fund future AIM events and benefit other area nonprofits. Registration also enters Downtown Live participants into monthly raffles for locally donated door prizes.

Ashland in Motion is continuing to accept First Friday vendors. Artists, crafters and local farmers now have the opportunity to be First Friday attractions, too.

Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tables, chairs, pop-up tents, etc. Vendors must obtain and bring proof of a City of Ashland business license. Ashland in Motion charges a small participation fee of $10, which is collected the day of the event. Vendors are limited to arts, crafts and farmed goods only. For more information about First Friday vendor opportunities, email director@ashlandinmotion.org/.

For more information about First Friday and other upcoming Ashland in Motion events, visit www.ashlandinmotion.org/.