Frequently Asked Questions About Events
How do I become a vendor at First Fridays or Walkabouts?
DLP events (First Friday/Walkabout) DOES NOT ALLOW FOOD OR RETAIL VENDORS. * The Downtown Lakeland Partnership is a membership-supported marketing organization. Our job is to promote Downtown Lakeland and the business members of our organization. For that reason, only DLP members are allowed to set up information booths during First Fridays/Walkabouts. The purpose of our events is to encourage the public to eat, shop and do business with our Downtown merchants. Therefore we do not allow outside food or retail vendors. Please see our membership tab for member rates and benefits. FIRST FRIDAY GUIDELINES
How do I become a vendor at other Downtown Events?
The Downtown Lakeland Partnership is not responsible for events other than the monthly First Fridays, the Holiday Walkabout, Holiday Fest and the Brewz Crewz Craft Beer Festival. We do not hire vendors. Please see question above. For information on other events put on by the city of Lakeland or other private groups who rent Munn Park or Lake Mirror Park, please call the City of Lakeland Parks and Rec department at 834-2233.
How do I become an entertainer at First Fridays/Walkabouts?
The Downtown Lakeland Partnership is always looking for talented citizens to add to our entertainment mix. Our goal is to provide a pleasant atmosphere that encourages folks to come Downtown and enjoy the many fine restaurants and shops. Our preference is acoustic style musicians who can create ambiance for a small area so we can have many entertainers throughout Downtown without having interference between them. We prefer to hear a sample of your work. Please email us your information so we can get it to the First Friday Chairperson who will contact you. AT THIS TIME WE ARE BOOKED FOR THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR OCT 2009-SEPT 2010. We do allow folks to play for tips only, but you must submit a sample and we must find you placement.
How do I become a vendor or entertainer at Music on the Promenade or Pics on the Promenade?
The Downtown Lakeland Partnership does not organize the Music on the Promenade event or Pics on the Promenade event. Please contact the City of Lakeland, Kevin Cook at 834-6264.
How do I become a vendor or entertainer at Downtown Farmers Curb Market?
The Downtown Lakeland Partnership does not organize the Farmers Market. This event is produced by the LDDA (Lakeland Downtown Development Authority). Please contact Market Manager, Jim Luna at 687-8910.
What is the history of First Friday?
First Friday – History & Mission
First Friday was started in the summer of 2004 by a small group of Downtown merchants (John Hutto – Smoothie King, Linda Brient-Gift Basket Boutique, and Julie Townsend-Ledger) independent of the Downtown Lakeland Partnership. Initial funding came from amounts donated by merchants who felt they benefited from increased foot traffic from having entertainment and activities along Kentucky Avenue during the evening hours of the first Friday of each month.
The DLP adopted First Friday in October 2004. Two years later, the LDDA started funding $12,000 a year towards First Friday.
The original purpose of First Friday was to increase foot traffic in Downtown during the extended hours. The DLP committed to providing marketing (advertising) and paid entertainment. Participating merchants were expected to drive the traffic in their doors with sales, specials and/or activities.
When retail venues in Downtown began to decline, the DLP decided to initiate “themes” for each First Friday as a way of increasing/maintaining interest in the event. When an event called for street closures, which was not every month, the DLP picked up the cost. On occasion, when a theme called for additional activities or Downtown Dollar giveaways, the DLP picked up the cost or sought sponsors to cover the cost.
In the years since its inception, First Friday has grown in popularity and complexity. Public expectation requires a minimum level of activity and entertainment creating this complexity and increasing the cost. The DLP has not increased membership dues, nor has the LDDA increased their investment in the event to cover the increased expenses.
The current level of commitment by the DLP includes:
- Paying for street closures and other City charges;
- Paying for and managing a core-level of entertainment and activities;
- Paying for and managing advertising, including radio, Ledger, direct mail (Sophisticated Buyer), e-blasts, website, etc.
- Managing member participation in Munn Park (members without brick & mortar presence in Downtown);
- Assisting in seeking sponsors and partners for theme-related activities, as needed.
Members and participating businesses in Downtown are expected to:
- Manage the street closures in their immediate area, including parking cones and barricades before and after the event, as needed;
- Provide theme-related activities or develop relationships with others to provide theme-related activities in their immediate store area;
- Develop in-store activities or specials to convert First Friday visitors to individual store visitors.
Other events organized by the city:
Please check the City’s website for other events – www.lakelandgov.net
