FIRST FRIDAY IN GROVES

This Friday marks our country’s 232nd birthday. It also happens to be the first Friday of the month. What does that mean? A fantastic First Friday festival! This monthly, merchant sponsored event takes place from 6-9 pm on Lincoln Avenue in Groves, between Washington and Coolidge. Because of the significance of this month’s date, they have an especially entertaining evening planned.

The 4th Annual Bike and Trike Parade kicks off at 6:45. A much-loved decorating contest for children up to age 12, this year’s theme is Salute to Our Military. There will be cash prizes awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each of the three age categories with one Grand Prize winner decided. Children interested in entering should be at the Capitol intersection at 6:30.

There are also plenty of other entertainments to keep the kiddoes from getting bored. Tyler Morgan, juggling magician extraordinaire, will be performing after the parade. The Groves Fire Truck will be there along with the firefighters that keep Groves safe. The Jester and Sunny the Clown, armed with balloon animals and face paint, are sure to excite. A bounce house, moonwalks and a 16-foot slide will help the kids burn off some of the great food available.

Too big for your old three-wheeled Radio Flyer? There’s no need to feel left out, there’s plenty of fun for the young at heart, if not young of age. At 6pm here’s a washer board contest for teams of two with Visa gift cards for each 1st and 2nd place winner. Does your hubby know how to put away some food? Then have him enter the hot dog eating contest at 7:45. The stuffed winners will receive prizes and entry for both events is free.

If you have a four-legged hot dog scampering around your house, enter them in the cutest race ever! At 8:15 bring your adorable dachshund to compete in the first ever Groves wiener dog race. Be sure to bring a friend to meet your pooch at the finish line. The winning weenie gets some delicious treats.

If you’re not feeling competitive, there’s still plenty to do. Many of the shops on Lincoln stay open during First Friday, the Courtyard Café Buffet is available from 5-8 and there are food and gift vendors to peruse as well.

Providing the soundtrack for the street fair will be DJ Donna Marx. If you feel like kicking back and listening to some good Southern music, bring a lawn chair and stake a claim in Celebration park where the Lake Charles band Louisiana Express will be playing all evening. If the beat grabs a hold of you, don’t be afraid to get up and get your groove on. Like what you hear? The band currently has 3 albums available.

While Lincoln Avenue’s First Friday takes place, well, every first Friday of the month, Independence day comes but once a year. Gather up your kids, slap some sandals on your husband (but please, no black socks) and head down to Groves for some festive family fun.

For more information, contact Bree Babin at (409) 962-3631.

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