By Mary Windsor, Staff Writer

Published in print Nov. 12, 2014

First Friday in Downtown Greensboro is a well-known attraction that hosts local merchants, antique shops and artists from all around North Carolina to showcase their art and talents between the hours of six to nine of the first Friday of every month.

This being the first Friday since the time change, the sky was already dark and the crowd began to amble through the falling orange and red leaves on South Elm Street, the fall weather prominent as everyone was bundled up in pea coats and scarfs to protect themselves from the chilly wind. 

The live band and tents set up with local artisans showcasing knitted scarfs, handmade jewelry, soaps made in kitchens and wooden bowls seemed to grow monotonous amongst the masses of visitors.

Cheesecake’s by Alex was hectic as a line of people waiting in line wrapped outside the door.

Carol Saunders, a Greensboro local and avid cheesecake lover, says her favorite part of every month is coming out to First Fridays.

“I love the whole environment of everyone coming out to celebrate Greensboro and supporting local companies,” said Saunders. “Local businesses are prominent in Greensboro and need to be sustained by the community. I’ve been coming out to First Friday’s for as long as I can remember. Rain or shine, I’m here.”

A popular vintage shop, The Unexpected Antique Shop, was giving away hot apple cider to its many visitors, encouraging them to come in from the cold and explore their multitude of paintings, marble statues, and knick-knacks.

Artmongerz also offered refreshments during a reception earlier that evening to tempt their walk-ins in for a look around.

Bailie Midgett, a UNCG student, said that she enjoys the atmosphere of the city.

“The artists bring out their stuff and you can see the creativity hidden in Greensboro,” said Midgett. “I never have time to come Downtown during the week so it’s nice that all the shops are open a littler later than usual. The live band is a nice touch and gives Elm Street a fun, relaxing vibe.”

Despite the chilly weather and its repetitive nature, many enjoyed First Friday and downtown Greensboro was awash with couples, parents and school-aged attendees appreciating its local hidden gems.

Greensboro and its community are working to create a more artistic venue for local artists who want to exhibit their craft.

In the future, they are working towards hiring installation artists to set up pieces throughout the downtown area to bring in more visitors and make Greensboro the city to be in.