The Downtown Lakeland Partnership is pleased to announce its partnership with Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital as title sponsor of the September First Friday – Dog Days of Summer. In an ongoing effort to secure sponsorships for Downtown Lakeland’s First Friday events, Executive Director Julie Townsend and DLP’s marketing chair, David Collins of Paint Along Studios reached out to Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital to create this mutually beneficial partnership.

“Dog days was our very first themed First Friday back in August of 2004. The September event will mark 8 years of Dog Days First Fridays, and we needed to make it even better,” says Townsend.  “That’s where Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital comes in. You’ll see more products and samples from Cleveland Heights’ vendors who will join us at the event and more fun activities.”

Other First Fridays have enjoyed sponsorships as well.  MIDFLORIDA Federal Credit Union has sponsored the Back to School themed event for several years. Back to School is August’s theme this year.  City of Lakeland sponsors the May event showcasing its Public Works Department,  and Polk County Builders Association is sponsoring November’s event.  Other partnerships have included Sun n Fun’s Skyward Festival and BikeLakeland’s Bicycle Night.

“Our biggest asset is the crowd.  We offer a sponsor the opportunity to create a themed event that reaches out to that sponsor’s target audience,” explains Collins. “We look forward to working with the Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital staff to create an outstanding event.”

Any business interested in learning more about First Friday sponsorship opportunities can visit the Downtown Lakeland web site or follow this link to the sponsorship information page.

Downtown Lakeland Partnership

firstfriday@downtownlakelandfl.com • 863-513-3669