Owego’s First Friday celebrates the beginning of fall!

Owego’s First Friday will take place on Friday, Oct. 5 in the Historic Village of Owego. Summer has ended and The Historic Owego Marketplace (HOM) is kicking off the new season by celebrating all the things we love about fall! Activities begin at 5:30 p.m., so you will have plenty of daylight to take part in the evening’s fun! 

It’s not October without pumpkins! Tim Jackson will be demonstrating his expert carving skills on the corner of Lake and Front Street in front of M&T Bank. Stop by for a chance to win one of Tim’s carved pumpkins. If you don’t have time to visit the pumpkin patch, the Historic Owego marketplace and its members will be providing free pumpkins as long as they last, beginning at 5:30 p.m. 

Also located in front of M&T Bank will be informational and activity booths from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Katie’s Krops. Katie’s Krops is a national non-profit organization with a focus on teaching children how to grow their own food and “To Fight Hunger One Garden At A Time.” 

Emily Bidwell, the youth grower for Tioga County, has been active for three years now and will be on hand to share her experiences. Her goal is to grow food for our local food pantries, provide healthy and nutritious food for everyone, and of course, have fun. 

Last year Katie’s Krops placed fourth in the nation with the most donated produce by weight with over 1,200 pounds. Missy Bidwell, a Food System educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) will also be on hand to share more about CCE’s programs and Katie’s Krops. Enjoy fun activities while learning how you can help fight hunger in Tioga County.

Included in Friday’s festivities will be live music from the popular bluegrass string band, Melanie and the Boys. This lively group will be playing acoustic right out on Lake and Front Street. A feature of regional bluegrass festivals, Melanie and the Boys performs with joy and energy, fun for the entire family. 

Directly across the street in front of Riverow Bookshop, Boy Scout Troop 38 will be selling popcorn along side youth from CCE STEM programs, who will be demonstrating and sharing their work with Robotic Legos.  

Photographer Lisa McQueeney will have her original work on display on Front Street and near the new Gateway Project. Also in attendance at this location will be Representatives from the Village of Owego Downtown Revitalization Initiative Planning Team. 

While Owego First Friday will carry on throughout the winter, this marks the end of outdoor events as well as the First Friday Brochure and Passport season. Passports can be picked up the day of First Friday at participating locations. Once completed passports can be dropped off at this month’s featured sponsor: Gallery Forty-One.

Celebrating its 20 Year anniversary in Owego, Gallery Forty-One will be featuring live music from local songstress Kali Cornwell as well as their members and invited guest showing of the exhibition: “Cheers for Twenty Years – Past and Present.” 

For more information on HOM, its members and this event, visit Owego.org.