First Friday “Artisan Stroll” packs the streets
By Bob Robinson

GREENVILLE – “The street is packed,” said Main Street Greenville’s Executive Director Amber Garrett a little after 7 p.m. Oct. 4. It was the First Friday October event, Artisan Stroll.

Visitors were “strolling” up and down South Broadway, West Third Street and West Main Street checking out artists’ and local merchants’ offerings, plus enjoying a chainsaw sculpting demonstration by Dayle Lewis, performances by the Wavaires and Orchestra at Romer’s Catering and face painting by Jan Boyer and her daughter, Beth Vehre.

More than a dozen children took part in First Friday’s Chalk-the-Block community sidewalk chalk contest and hundreds of patrons of all ages explored oil paintings, photography, sculptures, embroidered cards, pottery, jewelry and more at the Anna Bier Gallery, Romer’s and in front of local businesses.

Additional music entertained visitors most of the evening at Montage, A&B Coffee Shop, The Coffee Pot and Young Forest Martial Arts.

Garrett could be found throughout the evening talking to visitors and recording the event. She showed her excitement over the October offering.

“There is so much we have offered it took me four hours just to put the program together,” she said. “I’m so grateful to a bunch of motivated women who cared about offering a quality event. They were wonderful in helping to pull this together.”

Next on the First Friday agenda is Chocolate Walk Nov. 1, which reportedly sold out almost immediately. After that will be the Holiday Horse Parade Nov. 23, which is in its 10th year, followed by the First Friday Christmas Night, Dec. 6.

First Friday is held every month except January due to the New Year holidays.

The Artisan Stroll Committee members are Susan Fowble, Leigh Fletcher, Patti Jetter, Kim Murray, Mary Saintignon, Kristina Murray and Victoria Horsley.

Published courtesy of The Early Bird