Downtown Ridgway will join in on "First Friday"

Around the holidays local officials always encourage people to shop local.

Those holiday shopping periods are just for a few short weeks. In an effort to continue to get shoppers to shop local, downtown Ridgway will be starting "First Friday." 

Michelle Bogacki, Ridgway Main Street Manager, told 6 News "First Friday" is a state-wide initiative that has proven to be successful. Bogacki said that businesses extend their store hours on the first Friday of the month, which helps stores get more business.

Bogacki told 6 News several stores in downtown Ridgway will be participating in the town's first "First Friday" on February 3. 

"Downtown Ridgway closes around 5 p.m., so it will be a way for people to come out and see what we have to offer. I myself hope that people come from the other communities to see what a great town Ridgway is," said Kelly Carver, employee at the Elk County Council on the Arts. 

Bogacki said that a number of towns across the state also participate in "First Friday." 

Business owners told 6 News that most people work nine to five. When "First Friday" starts, they will extend hours a bit later, so everyone gets the chance to shop. 

"The more we offer people and give them an incentive to shop locally, the greater our chances are of being successful, and it gives us the chance to stay and keep the downtown filled," said Heather Mader, owner of Shops on Main Street. 

Stores will stay open the first Friday of every month until 7 p.m. 

Bogacki said that once it gets warmer, she would like to have themed events to incorporate into the initiative. 

For a complete list of participating stores contact Bogacki at 772-9150.