2012 first friday information for downtown merchants & businesses
First Fridays encourage the celebration and exploration of all that downtown York has to offer. Participating First Fridays merchants, restaurants, cultural venues and nightlife hotspots stay open late, present special events, and offer discounts on the first Friday of every month making downtown York an ideal destination for an evening out. Downtown Inc assists merchants in organizing and promoting First Friday.
Themes & Deadlines
First Fridays are planned and organized on a quarterly basis. Merchants should note the themes and information deadlines below, and plan accordingly. Promotional information received by the deadline will be included in Downtown Inc's First Friday marketing materials including our monthly printed flyer, news release and social media outreach.
1st Quarter Information Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2011
The deadline to submit 1st quarter promotional information has passed.
Email info@downtownyorkpa.com with questions.
- January 6: Super Tailgate Party
- February 3: Happy Healthy Hearts
- March 2: Girls Night Out
2nd Quarter Information Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2012
Click here to submit 2nd quarter promotional information to Downtown Inc.
- April 6: Jazz in the City
- May 4: Mamapalooza
- June 1: Art Crawl
3rd Quarter Information Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, June 8, 2012
Click here to submit 3rd quarter promotional information to Downtown Inc.
- July 6: Patriotic Days
- August 3: Festival of Cultures
- September 7: Sidewalk Sale
4th Quarter Information Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, August 10, 2012
Click here to submit 4th quarter promotional information to Downtown Inc.
- October 5: Eat, Drink & Be Scary
- November 2: Holiday Open House
- December 7: Light Up Night
Funding
Downtown Inc offers competitive grant funding to merchants who wish to participate in First Friday up to $500 per month. To be eligible for grant funding, businesses must be located within the boundaries of York’s Business Improvement District. Funds may be used for activities, entertainment, refreshments, promotional giveaways, or other items that would enhance the overall First Friday experience for downtown visitors. No funds will be given for purchase of products for resale.
Application Instructions & Deadlines
Click here to apply for funding online or here to download an application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Late applications will not be considered. Fill out a separate application form for each request/month. Email info@downtownyorkpa.com with questions.
Deadlines for funding are:
- 2012 1st Quarter Funding Deadline: 4 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2011
- 2012 2nd Quarter Funding Deadline: 4 p.m. on Monday, February 20, 2012
- 2012 3rd Quarter Funding Deadline: 4 p.m. on Monday, May 21, 2012
- 2012 4th Quarter Funding Deadline: 4 p.m. on Monday, July 23, 2012
Evaluation
Each request will be evaluated by a grant review committee consisting of representatives from Downtown Inc’s board of directors, events committee, and/or staff, who will approve or deny applications at their discretion. Requests will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Fits within the monthly theme
- Originality
- Impact on business’s participation in First Friday
- Impact on the whole First Friday event
Payment
If your application is approved, Downtown Inc will make checks payable directly to entertainers. If you are purchasing materials or refreshments, you will be required to submit receipts for reimbursement. This will be strictly enforced.
Questions
Contact Amanda Meyers, marketing manager, at 717-849-2331 or ameyers@downtownyorkpa.com.