2013 first friday information for downtown merchants & businesses
First Fridays celebrate and explore of all that downtown York has to offer. Participating First Friday shops, 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. First Fridays are planned and organized on a quarterly basis. Merchants should note the themes and information deadlines below, and plan accordingly. If you are hiring entertainment and anticpate having amplified sound, please be sure to request a special event permit from the City of York at least 30 days in advance. Businesses who regularly particpate in First Friday are also eligible to recieve a First Friday flag at no cost courtesy of Downtown Inc. Please email info@downtownyorkpa.com to request a flag.
Personalized Flyer (NEW)
Themes & Deadlines
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.
Please email info@downtownyorkpa.com with questions or follow-up information for already submitted promotions. *Note, we will make every attempt to include promotions received after the due date for each month's First Friday, but cannot make any guarantees.
3rd Quarter Information Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2013
Click here to submit 3rd quarter promotional information online.
- July 5: Shopping, Entertainment, Dining, & Nightlife
- August 2: Dog Days of Summer
- September 6: Sidewalk Sale
4th Quarter Information Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, September 9, 2013
Click here to submit 4th quarter promotional information online.
- October 4: Harvestfest
- November 1: Holiday Open House
- December 6: 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 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:
- 2013 1st Quarter Funding Deadline: *DEADLINE PAST*
- 2013 2nd Quarter Funding Deadline: *DEADLINE PAST*
- 2013 3rd Quarter Funding Deadline: 4 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2013
- 2013 4th Quarter Funding Deadline: 4 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2013
Evaluation
Each request will be evaluated by a grant review committee consisting of representatives from Downtown Inc’s board of directors, promotions 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 Downtown Inc 717-849-2331 or info@downtownyorkpa.com