MOUNT VERNON – Experience Mount Vernon is proud to announce September First Friday generously sponsored by The Freedom Center.

This vibrant community event will be held on Friday, September 6, from 6 to 9 p.m., and aims to transform Downtown Mount Vernon into a hub of activity, entertainment and back-to-school celebrations.

This month’s First Friday will feature an exciting lineup of featured departments and services hosted by Knox County’s premier educational institutions: Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU); the Knox County Schools Career and Technical Center; Kenyon College and the Central Ohio Technical Center (COTC) at Public Square.

These institutions will showcase their various programs and offer valuable insights and opportunities for community members of all ages.

Photos by Emily Morrison Arts courtesy of Experience Mount Vernon.

Highlights

• The education department’s fair on the square: Explore offerings and activities hosted by MVNU, COTC, Knox County Schools Career & Technical Center and Kenyon College. Meet faculty and students, learn about different programs, and discover educational paths that can help you shape your future.
• Photo Booth at Public Square: Meghan Decker Photography returns with a special Back to School photo booth in Public Square (facing east). Be sure to check it out and round out your First Friday Photo Booth photo collection!
• Live music: Enjoy live music on the Burrata Woodfired Main Stage from Musical duo Hall & Eyer throughout the evening.
• Food Trucks: Check out the Knox Foodies Food Truck Trail sponsored by Ariel Corporation around Public Square.
• Family-friendly activities: Participate in fun, interactive activities for all ages at the MVNU Cougar Athletics Activities Zone sponsored by the Knox County Teen Advisory Council of New Directions Shelter and Touch-a-Truck hosted by Pak United and sponsored by Ellis Brothers on West Gambier Street.
• MTVarts Crew of The Little Mermaid, Jr.: MTVarts is back this month at the East Gambier Street Community Corner sponsor with the cast The Little Mermaid, Jr. Don’t miss this opportunity to get a sneak peek at their upcoming show!
• FREE bicycle service: Knox Public Health will be hosting their free bike valet in the Blue Ash Plaza parking lot. Don’t bother with parking; ride a bike!
• Over 100 suppliers/exhibitors.

Experience Mount Vernon is pleased to welcome Hall & Eyer to the First Friday Burrata Woodfired Main Stage.

A musical duo from the Mount Vernon area, Hall & Eyer have joined forces to form a multi-talented duo playing classic rock favorites, with country, pop and R&B thrown in as well.

Electric and acoustic guitar, keys, blues harp, harmony vocals and a foot-tapping backbeat are the signature of this fun and entertaining duo.

Bring your dancing shoes and a lawn chair to enjoy the music all night long.

“We are excited to partner with The Freedom Center and our local educational institutions to bring this enriching experience to Downtown Mount Vernon,” said Lacey Filkins, Executive Director of Experience Mount Vernon.

“This First Friday event is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to connect, learn and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Mount Vernon.”

Whether you want to explore educational opportunities, enjoy local entertainment and food, or simply spend a fun evening Downtown, there will be something for everyone on the first Friday in September.

Main Street from Chestnut Street to Ohio Avenue, including East/West High Street, East/West Vine Street and East/West Gambier Street from Gay to Mulberry, and Public Square will be closed to parked traffic at 15.30 and through traffic at 4:00 PM Parking is available in public lots on South Gay and Mulberry Streets.

Experience Mount Vernon has partnered with Knox Public Health to host a FREE Bike Service Station in the Blue Ash Plaza parking lot, located at the corner of East Ohio Avenue and South Main Street.

Special thanks to Martha Edelblute for allowing the use of the grounds. As part of the active transportation plan, both the Experience and Knox Public Health encourage those who can bike to take advantage of this FREE service.

Save the dates for Experience Mount Vernon

• October 4: 4th Johnny Appleseed Apple Festival presented by Peoples Bank of Gambier
• November 30 to December 14: Winter in Downtown: A Vintage Holiday Celebration sponsored by Park National Bank
  • November 30: Shop a little Saturday
  • December 1:
    • 3:45pm: Annual Holiday Parade sponsored by Burrata Woodfired (rain date 12/24/8)
    • 16:15: Festive family fun in the square
    • 17.00: Illumination of the square sponsored by Ariel Corporation
    • 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.: Pictures with Santa sponsored and hosted by the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel
  • December 14:
    • 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.: Pictures with Santa sponsored and hosted by the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel
    • 6:00 p.m.: Kick-off for the Festival of Lights Lighting Competition sponsored by Knox Community Hospital.

About Experience Mount Vernon

Experience Mount Vernon is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to energizing and enhancing an authentic and unique downtown experience through community-wide events, beautification projects and small business support.

Visit www.experiencemv.org for more information.