WEATHER UPDATE: The weather looks like it has settled in over us for the evening. The dancing related activities and music have been canceled. We are looking at the possibility of RESCHEDULING THE FIRST FRIDAY TO THE SECOND FRIDAY. We have to contact the dance groups and check availability. Please check back with us.  If you are planning to venture out tonight, please patronize one on our many fine Downtown restaurants open this evening.

First Friday is a free monthly celebration in Downtown Lakeland from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

FAQ’s about First Fridays

Recurring First Friday features include:

• Live music and entertainment; 
• VIEW ENTERTAINERS’ BIOs
• VIEW FOCUS TV VIDEO
• A Classic Car Show on Tennessee Avenue across from Munn Park;
• Exhibitions by local artists (more info on participating is below); and
• Shops and restaurants are open late!

Look for special events sponsored by various merchants during First Friday.

FEBRUARY THEME: Dancing in the Streets

Enjoy dance performances throughout Downtown along Kentucky Avenue from Bay Street to Lemon Street.  There will be opportunities for the audience to participate!

Sapphires Dance Studio is performing salsa and swing. Plus Samira’s Belly Dancers will perform all night long as well.

Lakeland Montessori School will have a chorus and dance performance in Munn Park at 6pm.

Rae Bartley of RAE’s Retro presents LAKELAND’S 1^ST ANNUAL SWEETHEART DANCE, a Valentine’s themed event for February’s Downtown Lakeland First Friday.

Are you looking for something special to do with your sweetheart this February? You don’t have to go far to have a romantic and memorable night this year. It’s happening just around the corner: Downtown Lakeland. Rae Bartley, of Rae’s Retro: Vintage Fashions, Accessories & More located on the 2^nd floor of J. Rowan Galleries, Downtown Lakeland, has designed a special Valentine’s themed event.

This is your chance to get all dolled up and hit the town! Start your evening off with a corsage and boutonniere from Flowers by Edith (863-686-1134), located on South Florida. Vicki, the owner, has created a special price for all orders made in advance! Downtown has plenty of choices for fine dinning, so go ahead and make your dinner reservation: Harry’s, the Antiquarian & the Terrace Hotel, among others. Then take a stroll around Historic Downtown: Munn Park, Lake Mirror, Barnett Park & Hollis Garden. Next, grab a place on the dance floor, Kentucky Ave., for you and your sweetie to dance the night away.

There will be Sweetheart-themed dance performances on Kentucky Ave. presented by Florida Dance Theatre, Polk County’s only professional dance company. Dance breaks will be in between performances, so couples can take the floor. The evening will also feature a Rae’s Retro DIRTY DANCING-inspired ‘Fashion Performance.’ The performers will dance to “I’ve had the Time of my Life” in remembrance of the amazing dancer and performer, Patrick Swayze. The DIRTY DANCING performance will feature dancers, clad in Rae’s Retro vintage fashions, emulating the iconic choreography from the movie. Dancers will also have 50’s stylized make-up and hair designed by Lindsey Meeks of Spectrum Hair Studio, located in downtown Winter Haven.

The First Friday Downtown Lakeland Event is from 6PM to 9PM on February 5^th, 2010. People are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy dining and shopping at Lakeland’s local businesses. The event is FREE so dance spaces will fill up fast!

For more information call J. ROWAN GALLERIES (863-683-ARTS) and visit www.raesretro.com.

Other activities in Downtown during First Friday:

Brooke Pottery is celebrating 22 years with cake and gift certificate giveaways throughout the day. Additionally during First Friday enjoy a balloon artist, wine, cheese, and music.

Arts on the Park Member’s Show I Reception 6-9pm 115 N Kentucky Ave Phone (863) 680-2787

Perspectives Photo Artistry Photography Exhibit – jr. & sr. classes 6:30-9:30pm Open to the public 115 South Florida Avenue (near Polk Theatre) (863) 248-1534
Garden Bistro – Sofa Kings 7:30-10:30 P.M Full menu and surprize special 6:00 – 7:30 Reservations  686-3332   702 E. Orange Street