FLORENCE – The last “First Fridays presented by Bank Independent” event of 2023 will feature a “Turkey Drop” in an homage to the famous WKRP in Cincinnati episode.
Radio stations Q107, KIX96 and Big River Broadcasting are hosting a live broadcast that will award lucky listeners with smoked turkey breasts from 306 BBQ.
Bank Independent has made the entire 2023 season of First Fridays possible.
“First Fridays events bring people together each month,” said Kyle Mangum, Bank Independent Sales Officer and Downtown Florence Alliance Board Member.
“It recognizes outstanding local groups and individuals, discovers talented musicians who call the Shoals home, and provides fun activities in the kids’ area for families to enjoy. It is incredible to see downtown filled with our residents, from young children to seniors and everyone in between,” Mangum said. “Bank Independent is committed to our communities and events like First Fridays that foster civic pride and bring people together. That is what community banking is all about, building meaningful relationships and supporting local initiatives.”
The (final) First Friday of the season kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Court St. in downtown Florence, while the “Turkey Drop” gets underway at 6:30 p.m. in front of 306 Barbecue.
Organizers say skateboarding trick demonstrations and kid-friendly learning sessions that will also be featured throughout the First Fridays event, along with live music.
The BigRiver Broadcasting MainStage will feature the Backroad Sinners at 5:30pm and Keona Shoulders of Kee & Kompany Band will take the stage at 6:45pm.
Bank Independent Community Engagement Leader Hallie Mauldin said events like First Fridays make a positive impact in our local communities.
“At Bank Independent, our mission is to make a positive difference in people’s lives and one way that we do that is by strengthening our communities,” Mauldin said. “First Friday is one of those events that has multiple ways to make an impact. It’s a place for people to gather for a night out and it also supports our local businesses. As a community bank, we take pride in giving back to the places we call home. We believe our communities are stronger when we come together to enjoy arts, culture, and most importantly, each other. That’s why we’ll continue supporting the community spaces and local businesses that unite us.”
Florence’s historic downtown streets will be lined with makers and market vendors and many downtown shops and restaurants extend their hours for First Fridays. The streets are family friendly and pets are welcome on a leash.
Court Street and a few surrounding access roads are blocked off starting at 3:30 p.m. on event days. Visitors can park in the public parking garage or on the streets a block or so from the venue area.
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