With April here, FreeFest Connect aLive is in its last month of free activities for the community.

Ironton aLive’s executive director Sam Heighton said the Open Mic at the Iron Town Coffee Lab has been a huge success and people have been packing the venue every Friday night to either play or listen to the music of talented local artists.

“We’ve had two full hours of local talent of all ages every night,” Heighton said. Open Mic at the Iron Town Coffee Lab will continue every Friday night through April from 5:30-7:30 p.m. There are free drinks from the Coffee Lab’s owner Dick Fisher and Travis Shope of the Black Bear Bakery offers free cookies.

FreeFest Connect aLive is a series of events sponsored by Ironton aLive, Impact Prevention and the Ohio Mental Health Addiction Services to bring community-minded, recreational and educational activities to Lawrence County.

The recent FreeFest event at Spare Time Recreation was popular enough the organizers decided to have another one.

“The 80’s night at Spare Time Recreation was so successful we have decided to add another one on Monday, April 15, from 5-8 p.m. again,” Heighton said, adding the event is free admission and no tickets are needed, so everyone can come to connect and take advantage of free bowling, skating, laser tag and pizza. “This is a family event, so parents kids and friends come party together. Come and meet someone new, make new acquaintances and have a good time. It’s all about connecting.”

Heighton and Susan Heald, coordinator of the River Hills Prevention Connection, said the final FreeFest Connect aLive event would be Ro-Na Day on Saturday, April 27.

It will feature vendors, bouncy houses, food, entertainment, workshops, community info booths, face painting and kid’s activities

“The event is free and you don’t need a ticket, this will be another family event,” Heighton said. “We’ll have free hotdogs, chips and soft drinks.”

Selected performers from Open Mic at the Iron Town Coffee Lab will be featured on stage with awards for the winners.

The event begins at noon. The popular band, Party Bus, will play from 3-4:30 p.m.