Press ReleaseCome on downtown and join Marietta Main Street this Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for First Friday: Marietta’s Birthday, sponsored by The Galley. In 1788 on April 7th, Marietta was born and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate her than with this weekend’s events. By supporting our local businesses, you are giving the best gift you could give Marietta. Our local economy is the driver that helps keep Marietta alive.
Local businesses will be open from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m this Friday for extended shopping hours. So come on down and buy yourself a present for Marietta. “This is a perfect opportunity to come down and give back to our community by supporting our local economy. I couldn’t think of a better reason to either buy yourself or a loved one a gift, which in return is giving Marietta, the greatest gift of all,” said Sam Tuten, Executive Director with Marietta Main Street.
Not only are businesses celebrating the history of Marietta but how art and culture pays tribute to history. The Riverside Artists Gallery will be hosting an artist who does just that. “It is amazing that the First Settlement of Marietta is 231 years old and we are celebrating the history of Marietta and the Northwest Territory by hosting Alan Cottrill, a bronze sculptor, who is bringing some historical sculptures like Marquis de LaFayette,” said Betsy Cook. “We don’t always realize how important art and culture is to the total person, we always want them to be educated but we don’t always educate them on art and culture and it is good that our community cares about art and culture. Art is another avenue to teach people about our history.
The City of Marietta will also be hosting a ribbon cutting for the grand-opening of the Armory. Jonathan Hupp, the Safety Service Director with the City of Marietta, is excited to showcase the opening of the Armory on First Friday. “This Administration continues to celebrate & support its relationship with Main Street and its various initiatives that includes utilizing the Armory lawn. This Friday, we are actively participating in First Friday with a ribbon cutting on the Armory steps that celebrates our Pioneer history and her 231st birthday,” said Jonathan.
The Armory itself is another prime example of the history within Marietta and the over thirty year adventure it took to bring life back into this building. “This Armory is one of the State’s oldest and over the years, it saw many service members leave her steps and never return. Those that did and those that served within her walls have a strong sacred bond, and Mayor Joe and his Administration are extremely proud to open the doors Friday in celebration of our City’s birthday but also bringing the Armory back to life and day to day use, thanks to generous donors, federal and state grants, and hours of in-kind support from local technical programs and trades,” said Jonathan.
Not only is the Galley participating by sponsoring this particular First Friday. They along with the Adelphia Music Hall are excited for the weekend’s lineup of extended shopping and music all day Saturday with this year’s 2nd Annual First Settlement Festival. “There is so much to look forward to this year! First Friday once again falls the day before First Settlement Festival, so there is going to be a whole weekend of celebrating our historic river town. This year is particularly special because we are all looking forward to the release of David McCullough’s book! We are looking forward to spreading the word about First Settlement Festival, seeing our vibrant downtown filled with people, and watching people enjoy our amazing food,” said Margie Clayman with Clayman & Associates representing the Galley.
This particular First Friday is another example of how our community comes together to celebrate our history and why so many local businesses are proud to have that a part of their mission. “That mission has always been integrated into what we do. There is a reason each room in The Hackett honors a great Marietta citizen, after all. We honor Marietta’s history and hope we continue to play a role in contributing to Marietta’s future,” mentioned Margie.
First Fridays are monthly events that showcase the best of Marietta and allow the community to take advantage of extended shopping hours. In addition to that extended shopping throughout downtown, at the Armory you can find a booth to learn more about the First Settlement Festival and the Marietta College Library showcasing their upcoming “Pioneers” exhibit, and of course, Busy Bee Food Truck.