2013 First Friday schedule

Busy year for downtown Rome with 'Zombie run,' block parties

 

-A huge year, including one of the busiest summer schedules yet, is on the way, courtesy of the promotions committee for the Downtown Development Authority and local partnerships.

 

-Three block parties, including two tied to First Friday's free concert series and a new "Zombie Run," are part of an aggressive schedule of events.

 

-The committee -- which features Elaine Abercrombie, Hal Ruland, Tracy Hellriegel, Julie Smith, Luke Chaffin, Bryan Mullins and chair Jay Shell -- discussed a busy calendar of events and related tie-ins on Thursday morning.

 

-What's on tap so far:

 

March 16: Leprechaun-a-thon 5K run.

 

May 3: First Friday concert with Curiosity Shoppe in the block party format.

 

June 1: Clocktower Classic.

 

June 1: Streets Alive/Crossfit.

 

June 7: First Friday concern with Allman Brothers Revival.

 

July 5: First Friday with Scott Thompson.

 

Aug. 2: First Friday with Satin Finish.

 

Sept. 6: First Friday with Infinity Show Band in a block party format.

 

Oct. 26: Zombie Run at dusk and associated block party.

 

Scarecrow Stroll

 

 

-The DDA will be partnering with Rome-Floyd Parks & Rec for several of the events. Also on the agenda: Annual sidewalk sales, arts walk, Trick or Treat on Broad Street and other activities.

 

-The block party twist to First Friday was added last year and was a huge success, drawing more than 5,000 to the 200 block of Broad Street. An October block party in the 300 block also drew well.

 

-The packed events calendar is part of an expanding effort to draw additional guests to the downtown neighborhoods. Look for a new website promoting downtown to be part of that push.

 

-The promotions committee next meets at Feb. 21 at 8:30 a.m. DDA's next event is the monthly Coffee Break at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 25 at Brewhouse Music & Grill.