By DARREL RADFORD – dradford@thecouriertimes.com
It was a very successful first “Fourth.”
So said New Castle Main Street’s Carrie Barrett about the recent “Fourth Friday” event in downtown New Castle.
Barrett told members of the New Castle Board of Public Works and Safety she had some ideas to make the next one even better.
“It went very well and was very well attended, but it was too spread out,” Barrett said.
So she asked for and received permission to close both 14th and 15th streets between Broad and Race for the next event, scheduled Friday, June 28.
Board of Works members were eager to help.
“I think anything we can do, too, to encourage participation of the downtown merchants is important,” City Attorney David Copenhaver said.
The first Fourth Friday – held Friday, May 31 – drew a big crowd, which led to some productive shopping downtown.
“Edwards Jewelers said they did more business in those three hours than they did the whole rest of the day,” New Castle Mayor Greg York said.
A few downtown merchants have already announced special offers. Sidewalk sales are planned at Unique Boutique, located at the corner of Broad and 14th streets. Specials will also be available at Back Porch Bar, Primo and Twin Lions.
Plans for the next event include five booths, three with artists and two with activities. Barrett said three musicians were signed up to perform. Food trucks are also expected to be available. They include:
• Ky’s Kreations;
• C & W Barbeque Bash
• Big Poppas
• A taco truck
Barrett said the food trucks for the next Fourth Friday would be on 15th Street in the shade. Vendors would be located in front of The Courier-Times.
As for the July “Fourth Friday,” Barrett said she hopes that one will be held at 1400 Plaza, which Mayor York hopes will be completed by that date, Friday, July 26.
Reprinted with permission from The Courier Times. For more news about New Castle go to https://www.thecouriertimes.com/.
