Because First Friday in January falls on New Year’s Day, we will cancel the event.  We hope that our merchants have a nice day off, and that you too spend quality time with family and frineds.

But how about this for a new year’s resolution:  SPEND MORE TIME AND MONEY IN DOWNTOWN LAKELAND.

Buying local is all the rage, but it is more than a fad.  Buying local means that the dollars you spend are reinvested in the community, because the local merchants are your neighbors and friends who spend, live and play here too.

Downtown Lakeland has great home grown-restaurants with outstanding menus.  You get appropriate portions and great flavors from people you know.  Want something special that is not on the menu? For the most part, we can do that.

And shopping you say? For birthdays, anniversaries, house warming, thank yous and more, Downtown offers specialty stores that can customize a gift for you quickly and easily – and most gift wrap.  For gifts that say YOU are special, not Blue Light special – shop Downtown Lakeland.

Perhaps you’ve heard of the Play60 program currently promoted by the NFL. The goal is to get kids outdoors and active for 60 minutes a day. Downtown is the perfect place to play. Barnett Park and Munn Park offer wide open green spaces to play and engage your imagination while being close to food, beverages and bathrooms.  Plus you can absorb the beauty of the Downtown area and the public outdoor art. Downtown is good for the body and the soul.

February’s First Friday will be “Dancing in the Streets” to kicjk off the new year! We hope to see you there!