Dress up to the nines and walk down the red carpet as the paparazzi clamor to get THE shot of YOU entering the hottest event in Lakeland this August!  It’s all about HOLLYWOOD baby!

August 31, 7:00pm

The Lakeland Center/Sikes Hall

$30 in advance, $40 at the door

Private Table for 4: $200

Adults only, must be 21 or older

Lakeland’s favorite season kick-off fundraising event.  Enjoy a live ISO performance while you mingle with other music lovers and sip martinis.  Local bars and restaurants will be competing for “Best Martini.”  Your ticket gets you two martini coupons, live “Pops” concert performed by the ISO, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, free parking at The Lakeland Center, and your ballot to vote for “Best Martini.”  Purchase a private table for 4 for $200.  Call (863) 688-3743 to ask how you can get exclusive VIP access to the Sapphire Lounge! Additional martini coupons can be purchased at the event and a cash bar will be onsite.

Music from “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”, “Titanic”, “Star Wars”, “Chicago” and more.

Dress up to the nines and walk down the red carpet as the paparazzi clamor to get THE shot of YOU entering the hottest event in Lakeland this August!  It’s all about HOLLYWOOD baby!

August 31, 7:00pm

The Lakeland Center/Sikes Hall

$30 in advance, $40 at the door

Private Table for 4: $200

Adults only, must be 21 or older

Lakeland’s favorite season kick-off fundraising event.  Enjoy a live ISO performance while you mingle with other music lovers and sip martinis.  Local bars and restaurants will be competing for “Best Martini.”  Your ticket gets you two martini coupons, live “Pops” concert performed by the ISO, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, free parking at The Lakeland Center, and your ballot to vote for “Best Martini.”  Purchase a private table for 4 for $200.  Call (863) 688-3743 to ask how you can get exclusive VIP access to the Sapphire Lounge! Additional martini coupons can be purchased at the event and a cash bar will be onsite.

Music from “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”, “Titanic”, “Star Wars”, “Chicago” and more.

It’s back to the grind of the school year, but it doesn’t have to be all work and no play.  Downtown merchants and title sponsor MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION want you to have fun with knowledge, so we’re organizing a trivial pursuit scavenger hunt.  Pick up your game cards at any participating merchant and go in search of knowledge. Visit the stores, answer the questions and register for a chance to win prizes for you and your school.  The school with the most registered participants wins the grand prize!

See…the FCAT can be fun! The Downtown FCAT that is…

Get your FCAT game card at participating merchants.  (Lists provided at First Friday.)  Merchants will be waiting for you and will ask you a question from the category they are assigned.  Get the answer right and you’ll get a sticker for your card.  Turn in the cards to the DLP booth or any participating merchant when you’re done and get a chance to win prizes.  Plus we’ll ask you to write on your card the school you represent. The school with the most participants will also win a prize. Individual prizes are gift certificates to retail/restaurants.

Traditions Unlimited will be doing a drawing for a teacher gift pack of supplies.

FastFrame will have a drawing for teachers – Register to Win a Goodie Bag of cool stuff!

Brooke Pottery – Teachers, register to Win a basket of goodies!

Home Essentials – Labor Day Chilling and Grilling Sale! Select Items, buy one get one half off

Arts on the Park -  FREE art reception with music and refreshments. People choice award, everyone get a vote!

The Kiddie Train will be loading at the corner of Pine St. and N. Kentucky Ave. ALL ABOARD!!

Check out our members who are setting up along the streets:

Watson Clinic Foundation will host a Dunk Tank on S. Kentucky Avenue.  Check out who’s in the tank!

Lakeland Moonwalk will have bounce houses on S. Kentucky Ave as well.

Along N. Kentucky Ave…

Lakeland Memorial Gardens will have a fun Ring Toss game.

Critter Watcher will offering activity sheets for children and drawings for Rachel Hale stationery and sundry items.  One flea comb plus flea control tips will be available for those who request one. (one per family, please)

Sapphires Dance Studio will be dancing in the street. Watch or join in!

Evolve Hair Studio celebrates its GRAND OPENING by demonstrating Vivid Haircolor Application and a Rocking Layers Ponytail Haircut, as well as performing free Makeover Consultations with discounts on scheduled appointments, and a raffle for free services!

FAITHRiders from Scott Lake Baptist Church will be giving away candy, tracts, and rubber bracelets.

UUCL will have free cookies to decorate.

Liquid Hair

• Quick styling tips for kid’s unruly morning hair.
• Demos on the kids that stop by the booth. (braiding, styling products, ponytails, pinning up)
• Free nail art on girls nails
• Free hand massages for parents
• Giving out vouchers for “Free Kids Cuts (under 12) with an adult haircut and style” – Must come by booth to pick up voucher and then call to make appt.

Plus many many more!!

Become a VIP!

Downtown Lakeland is launching a VIP 10% OFF card during the September First Friday.  The card is FREE and you can register at the following locations during First Friday.  The cards will be available at these locations until they expire on12/31/2010.  Over 25 Downtown businesses are participating, so be sure to get your card at First Friday so you can take advantage of the savings right away!  The card can be used over and over at the participating businesses. Some restrictions apply. See the list of participating businesses below for the details.

Where to get one: Home Essentials, Fitz Gallery, Brooke Pottery, Traditions Unlimited, Fast Frame

See a list of participating businesses.

VIP cards will require registration. But don’t worry, Downtown Lakeland Partnership does not share your information with anyone, including the businesses on the card.  But we’d like to keep get an idea of where our VIPs are coming from, so we do ask for contact info. We respect your privacy, so don’t expect us to hassle you.

Other COOL activities going on During FIRST FRIDAY! Check out these links!

Pecha Kucha Night

The Gallery at Lake Mirror Tower Apartments

Downtown Lakeland’s October First Friday will also feature an art show!

The DLP is looking for artists, in all mediums, to exhibit their work along Kentucky Avenue in Downtown Lakeland during the October First Friday. This will be a great opportunity to reach the First Friday crowds and perhaps kick off the holiday buying season a little early!

Items exhibited must be made by the artist. If you are interested, please contact us no later than September 24th.

Cheryl Dossey, Fitz Gallery 686-0887 or email registration information to:
cherylfitzgallery@gmail.com

REGISTRATION FORM

The DLP cannot supply any items needed for set-up including tents, tables, chairs, nor extension cords. There will be no charge for setting up. Artists are responsible for all sales transactions and sales tax.

RIDE THE KIDDIE TRAIN!

LOCATION: Pine Street & Kentucky Ave is the corner for loading. $1 per person / per ride

Thriller is back!! 7:30 & 8:30 on S. Kentucky Ave.

RAE’S RETRO (Rae Bartley) and the DOWNTOWN LAKELAND PARTNERSHIP present: “A THRILLING Performance To Go GAGA Over!” – Downtown Lakeland’s October 1st First Friday, 2010.

Rae Bartley, of Rae’s Retro: ReVamped Vintage Clothing & RaeDesigned Jewelry, has designed another Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”-inspired Dance Show for First Friday. In addition to Michael Jackson’s iconic choreography, this year’s performance will feature additional choreography by Jarvis Mack and will also cater to a 360 degree audience – So EVERYONE will have a front row seat! Be prepared to be surprised, frightened and above all entertained.

The event will feature dancers with stylized make-up and hair designed by Lindsey Meeks of Spectrum Hair Studio, located in downtown Winter Haven.

Want to be a Zombie too? Downtown’s First Friday Event will also have a zombie makeup artist! You too can roam the streets of downtown Lakeland as a playful member of the undead for only $5. AND don’t forget your cameras! You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to take a photo with the characters – especially Michael!

The First Friday Downtown Lakeland Event is from 6PM to 9PM on October 1st, 2010. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early to enjoy dining and shopping at Lakeland’s local businesses. The event is FREE so seating will fill up fast!

For more information contact the Downtown Lakeland Partnership and visit www.raesretro.com.

Visit the stores!!

Home Essentials – 314 N. Kentucky Ave – Sampling Friday night…Grilled chicken breast & fresh broccoli served with Gourmet Massaman Curry Sauce, over jasmine rice.
and… Gourmet Coconut Soup (Tom Kha) with fresh shrimp and sliced mushrooms.

Fast Frame – 117 S. Kentucky Ave. – Zohra’s Lakeside restaurant is FastFrame’s guest. Stop in for a fabulous wine tasting!!

VISIT WITH DLP MEMBERS ALONG KENTUCKY AVE!

Many will have craft activities, drawings, etc!

Today Lyn is actively engaged with Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation and working to celebrate the achievements of women in the motorsports and automotive industries. The foundation provides mentoring and leadership programs to create more opportunities for women in racing.

Visit their web site.

Dust off your old college sweatshirt and head Downtown for College Spirit Night!  There’s got to be more than just Seminoles and Gators in this town, right?  LSU anyone? We want folks to sport their favorite team or alma mater as they stroll around Downtown. The stores are encouraged to decorate for their favorite team, and who knows.. there may be discounts and promotions going on!  There’s definitely a prize patrol out looking for the folks with the most spirit!

All the cool stuff happening:

Shopping and Dining!

Live music along the streets. Full band on Pine St. – GRAND RETRO STATION

Kiddie Train on Pine St.

Bounce House & Rock Climbing Wall on S. Kentucky

Lakeland Derby Dames Roller Derby demo on S. Kentucky

Visit FastFrame at 117 S. Kentucky for wine tastings from Zohra’s Restaurant.

Don’t forget to bring supplies for our troops – General Store & FastFrame are collection points!

Don’t miss the Comedy Buffet, live at Black & Brew. If you like shows like “Whose Line is it Anyway,” then you’ll love a live perfomance by the Comedy Buffet Troupe. Coming Saturday, July 17th.

Tickets are about the same cost as a movie ticket. Hmmm….. should you go to the movies like you do every week, or see a live improv comedy show? It’s a no-brainer! Do something different. Seating is limited and tickets will go fast, so purchase in advance by clicking this link:

BUY TICKETS!

You can also order tickets over the phone by calling 863-682-1210 or just swing by the restaurant.

This show will sell out- The sooner you buy your tickets the better your seats! Buy your tickets today.

(Family Friendly)

“Lakeland’s Premier Coffee House & Casual Eatery”

205 East Main Street – Downtown Lakeland

Many of the restaurants will still be open and happy  to have you!  Brooke Pottery will be open late celebrating their anniversary  – so go enjoy cake and othe goodies!

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. 

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 StreetFIRST FRIDAY

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