First Friday to focus on cruise-in: April 5 event will also feature Easter Bunny

Published 8:53 am Friday, March 22, 2019

ASHLAND, Ky. — First Friday returns to downtown Ashland on April 5.

The event starts at 5 p.m. and runs until midnight. It will feature cars, live music and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Ashland in Motion executive director, Whitney Lowe, said, this year, First Friday will concentrate on the popular cruise-in and some things will be made to make things easier.

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“We are making adjustments to the event layout to better accommodate drivers and expand on the monthly tradition,” Lowe said. “The cruise-in is certainly a staple to the monthly event and we are working hard as an organization to improve the logistics and strengthen the cruise-in, which has over a decade-long history.”

The First Friday Cruise-in welcomes all cars, trucks, jeeps and bikes to display their rides and connect with area car enthusiasts. All makes and models are welcome. Dash plaques will be given to the first 50 registrants.

Cars may begin parking at 3 p.m. on Winchester Avenue between 14th and 17th streets. Vehicles may enter and exit the venue via 16th Street and Greenup Avenue. Winchester Avenue will be closed at 14th St. and 17th St. to ensure pedestrian safety.

Registration is $5 and enters vehicle owners into a nightly door prize drawing.

Following the car theme, Greenup County native and 50s style pinstripe artist Darin “Killer D” Allen will be set up during the First Friday event and will offer on-site, custom pin striping services. Allen is a nationally recognized, award-winning artist whose work has been in numerous magazines and books, and is on display at the Peterson Auto Museum in Los Angeles and at the Wildcat Harley Davidson museum in London, Kentucky. His work has been featured on the TV shows “Fast N’ Loud” and “Biker Build Off.” He has done work for such celebrities as KISS lead singer and guitarist Gene Simmons, former Tonight Show host and car enthusiast Jay Leno and the late comedic actor Gene Wilder.

The live music segment of First Friday will include an acoustic music set by E.K. Station from 6-8 p.m.

And for the kids, the Easter Bunny will be there from 5-8 p.m. Caregivers are encouraged to bring their own cameras for photo opportunities. The kids can also do an Easter-related craft.

For more information, visit www.ashlanndinmotion.org.