First Friday wraps up summer with back-to-school celebration

Mount Vernon said goodbye to summer with a Back to school First Friday event. Closing the door with the last fun event as school kicks back off. Hosting 75-plus vendors, food trucks, a cruise in, and, of course, live entertainment from Six Miles To Nellie.

“I always enjoy performing for locals and those who come from out of town to see us. We always love to see our repeat fans and new faces. I am glad we got our own spot this year and look forward to many more years to come,” said Courtney DeCosky, lead singer of Six Miles to Nellie.

There were plenty of things for visitors from all over to partake in. The cruise-in brought out many car lovers, while food lovers had plenty of food trucks to choose from. There was even a kids’ corner that kept the young ones happy.

“I like coming down and seeing all the cool stuff they put out and new stuff they come up with,” said Emmalee Marie. “Of course I love the food too but mostly I enjoy coming down to see all the dogs that everyone brings. I am a big animal person and dogs are a favorite of mine. Today I have seen so many different types, some even had a Cane Corso.”

“I love bringing the kids down; they always enjoy the kids’ corner. It's a nice way to spend time as a family and do something fun and not have to spend a lot of money to do some. Not to mention it's close to our home so we can just walk down,” said Cheyenne Smith, a Mount Vernon resident. 

“This is only the second First Friday I have been to since I moved here from out of state but they are really fun. I think it's really cool that they put on a whole festival one day a month for the locals and those of course who come from out of town, too. To be able to put this together on such a big scale really is something we never really had anything like this back where I'm from,” George Walters said.

Experience Mount Vernon, which puts on First Fridays, has plenty of upcoming events to entertain residents. A middle earth march through Mount Vernon will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, and the 5th annual Johnny Appleseed festival will be Friday, Oct. 3.