We are watching the weather closely. Though some of the outdoor activities may not happen due to the earlier threat of rain, store and restaurants will be open and the PIE BAKE OFF will still take place at 105 N. Kentucky Ave. Next to Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill. Drop your pies off there between 5 and 5:30pm or if you need to drop them off early, drop at The General Store – 125 S. Kentucky Ave. You can fill out the form there or download and print from this posting (see below).

See the details about First Friday below and check back for additional updates.

July 2, 2010 – “Sundown Celebration ” – Downtown will celebrate our country’s independence with family picnic style games and activities.

• Corn Hole ( Bean Bag Toss) on Pine Street hosted by Traders Alley @ 210. Challenge your friends and get a group to watch. This should be fun!

CANCELLED Kiddie Train Rides – Loading at The Strand Hair Salon 238 N. Kentucky Ave. Rides are $1 per person.

MOVED INSIDE BROOKE POTTERY • Minute to Win It – You’ve seen the TV show, now get to PLAY! Hosted by Brooke Pottery, join the fun and see if you have what it takes to do these silly and FUN tasks in a minute! 4 games to choose from: Johnny Apple Stack, Breakfast Scramble, Movin’ On Up, and Card Ninja. Adult version and kids version.  Paricipants get a goodie bag and winners get entered in a drawing. Winners pulled every half hour!

MOVED INSIDE BROOKE POTTERY • Go Fish – Brooke Pottery has you fishing for a good time and prizes. This is a children’s activity.

CANCELLED • Jump Ropes and Hop Scotch activities in front of Traditions Unlimited (next to Crispers).  You haven’t played these games in YEARS!

CANCELLED • Dunk Tank – Watson Clinic Foundation hosts. See if you can dunk these downtown fellows you. When you see who they are, you’ll want to dunk them!

CANCELLED • Patriotic Tattoos – Habitat for Humanity’s booth in Munn Park is sporting glow in the dark patriotic tattoos! Free!

• Pin the beard on Uncle Sam! – Lighthouse Ministries’ booth in Munn Park. OUCH!

• All this celebrating got you stressed? Get a massage from Vickers Chiropractic! Check out their booth in Munn Park. AHHHHHH!

• BAKE OFF & Pie eating contest – Ovations and The Lakeland Center team up to tempt you with yummy pies.  You can enter your delightful dish in the contest ENTRY FORM, buy a slice of others’ tasty treat for $1, or enter the pie eating contest (7:30pm).  All of it sounds yummy.

CANCELLED • Hula Hoop with Sapphires Dance Studio in Munn Park. Get those hips movin’!

• Fresco’s Bakery & Bistro host their annual cupcake eating contest. Several age groups and prizes for the winners. Contest is at 6:45 at Frescos: 132 S. Kentucky Ave.

• Look for other fun games and activities through downtown!

• LAST CHANCE TO GEOCACHE! Get your clues from the booth near The General Store and get busy finding all of the locations. Turn your card in July 2 for a chance at Prizes!!

THE GENERAL STORE and SPARKY will be hosting SAVE OUR HOMELESS PETS, the volunteer arm of Polk County Animal Services, on the next two First Fridays – July 2nd and August 6th from 6-9 p.m.

Sparky, herself a success story from Polk County Animal Control, is asking for you to give a paw to her less fortunate canines!
Polk County Animal Services has recently seized more than 300 dogs from 2 abusive situations, and is way beyond capacity. You can help provide care for these animals! As always, forever homes and volunteer assistance are needed, also if you have extra towels and blankets that you no longer use or want, Polk County Animal Control needs them! (Please no crocheted blankets, little claws get caught)

They can use: Sheets, Blankets, Comforters, Bedspreads, Bath towels, Hand towels, Washcloths, Dish towels, and any CLEAN Rags and Linens, too!
They can also use: Dog Food, Feeding Dishes (non-breakable), Toys, Collars, Leashes, Cleaning Supplies, Hand Sanitizer

You can drop items off at THE GENERAL STORE now through August 6th (Dog Days of Summer/First Friday).