New monthly event series designed to draw locals and tourists to downtown Port Huron

MJ Galbraith | Thursday, March 4, 2021

“Instead of crowded big box stores, you can shop downtown with a cup of coffee or social district drink in your hand. You can end up spending hours walking around under the Christmas lights,” says Cynthia Cutright. David Lewinski

How can downtown Port Huron appeal to both locals and out-of-towners?

It’s a question that the downtown Port Huron small business community asks and it’s one that they, along with the Port Huron Downtown Development Authority, are answering with a new monthly event series, First Friday.

The First Friday event series debuts April 2“This is new for us. It’s an idea that came through our businesses talking about how we come out of Covid, how we want our downtown to feel, to be,” says Cynthia Cutright, director of the Port Huron DDA.

“We want a downtown that is welcoming with fun events throughout the year and this is one way that we’re accomplishing that.”

First Friday is a year-long series of events occurring on the first Friday of each month. While each event has yet to be determined, the First Friday events will often reflect the themes of the season and coinciding holidays.

The series kicks off on Friday, April 2. Being Easter weekend, the inaugural First Friday event will be an Easter-themed Shop Hop. Cutright says to expect Easter Egg promotions from small businesses downtown, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and more.

The First Friday in July will be a summer block party with outdoor games and a July 4th-inspired Americana feel. Cutright says that another First Friday in the fall will be similar to last year’s Downtown Day event, with hay bales, pumpkins, and more.

The idea for the First Friday series came from a subcommittee of downtown business owners that meets several times a month to discuss downtown.

“How can we be sure to be as inviting to locals as much as out-of-town tourists? This is a way to target both of those equally,” Cutright says. “But especially for our local residents, we want to make sure our downtown is accessible and inviting for people to make the trip and spend the day downtown.”

Follow Downtown Port Huron on Facebook for updates on First Friday.

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