Editor’s Note: Owensboro Times has partnered with some local organizations to provide a look back at 2020 and a look ahead to 2021. Today’s message is submitted by Friday After 5.
Last year was certainly one for the books! For the first time in 24 years, Friday After 5 canceled their season, following the recommendations of local, regional and national health experts. It was one of the first event cancelations for the Owensboro community during this unprecedented time. It was a heartbreaking emotional and financial loss for the entire community.
Friday After 5, a nonprofit organization, is an eagerly anticipated annual event which celebrates families, musicians and community businesses. The 16-week summer-long festival provides an important role in bringing community and the arts together. The good news is, Friday After 5’s new Executive Director Francine Marseille, FA5 board members, multiple community volunteers and local businesses continued to work hard in anticipation of 2021, to plan their 25th Anniversary season.
What are some of the upcoming highlights they strived to bring about? Well, we can begin with an official “Mile of Music.” By adding the Holiday Inn Riverfront to the official venue lineup, music and community events can be enjoyed for an entire mile, from one end of the Riverfront walkway to the other.
In addition to adding another musical stage to the season lineup, FA5 will include plenty of family fun along the street fair to connect the fresh musical entertainment on all our stages. Cannon Hall will continue to hold Gospel on the River and Worship on the Water, thanks to our sponsor Glenn Family Services. Most memorable is their sponsorship of the 2021, Kentucky Vietnam Wall installment over the 4th of July weekend observance.
In the news, we have heard about Big Rivers Electric moving their corporate headquarters to Owensboro. Well, they have become a part of the FA5 family as well, by sponsoring a wonderful young country artist and nominee of a Hollywood Music in Media Award on the River Park Center Patio on June 4.
Just in case your holiday plans have been altered due to our current circumstances, Friday After 5 is planning “Christmas in July.” Working together with the City of Owensboro, the Convention Center & Visitors Bureau, all of our venues and performers, your family may once again enjoy the magic of Christmas — only a little warmer!
But wait, remember the canceled Owensboro Hydrofair? Well, it has been rescheduled and will be kicking off on Friday, Aug. 20. Get ready for the thunder of the Grand Prix qualifying runs on the river from 5-5:30 p.m. and celebrate with Friday After 5 at the “Party Pier” to have the chance to meet the drivers and get their autographs before the music starts.
This is just a taste of what FA5 hopes to offer this next season. There is so much more to come — even a few hopeful surprises. Standing together as a community and doing whatever it takes to stay safe and healthy, we hope you will join us! Keep in touch and follow Friday After 5 on social media for all their continued updates and schedules! Here’s to a successful 2021! We miss you.
Website: fridayafter5.com
Facebook: @fridayafter5
Instagram: @fridayafterfive
Twitter: @Friday_After_5
