WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
Mount Vernon, Ohio — Downtown Mount Vernon is going to the dogs, in the best possible way, as Experience Mount Vernon brings you August First Friday: Dog Days of Summer on Friday, August 1 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. This community-wide event, sponsored by Griffin Insurance, will transform downtown Mount Vernon into a hub of summer fun for families, foodies, and four-legged friends alike.
This month’s event will feature a full evening of live entertainment, local and regional food trucks, interactive activities, and playful nods to man’s best friend. A crowd favorite, the WNZR Dog Costume Parade, will return with registration taking place from 6:30-7:10 p.m. on Public Square and the parade starting at 7:15 p.m., making its way from Public Square to the Community Corner on South Main Street. Pups of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to dress in their most delightful outfits to compete for fun prizes. Guests are invited to line South Main Street and cheer on their favorite contestants! Register your pup at https://www.wnzr.fm/dog-costume-parade
Live music will fill the air as Hall & Eyer take to the Experience Mount Vernon Main Stage on Public Square, while the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium and New Directions bring activities and entertainment to the Community Corner Stage on South Main Street at Ohio Avenue. From classic rock tunes to creative engagement, there will be entertainment for every age.
Food lovers will be delighted by the return of the Knox Foodies Food Truck Trail, presented by Ariel Corporation, featuring 10+ food vendors offering everything from sweet treats to savory favorites. Families can enjoy the MVNU Athletics KidZone, presented by Gantt Homes, with fun, high-energy activities for younger guests on Public Square.
Kids of all ages will also enjoy climbing aboard and learning about emergency vehicles at the Touch-a-Truck area on West High Street, presented by CES Credit Union and hosted by the Mount Vernon Police Department, Mount Vernon Fire Department, and PAK United. A FREE dog-themed photo booth, sponsored by the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities, will offer the perfect photo op on West Gambier Street. For those who want to ride to the event, Get Healthy Knox County will be providing a FREE bicycle valet, also located on West Gambier Street.
Adding a whimsical twist to the evening, the Experience Mount Vernon Events Committee brings you a professional balloon animal artist from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Creating imaginative balloon creatures for kids (and kids at heart), Luke the Juggler will be stationed in front of Happy Bean Coffee. Over on Vine Street, car lovers are invited to stroll through the A+ Autobrokers Cruise-In featuring classic cars and more.
To ensure safety of all attendees and vendors, the streets will close to parked vehicles at 3:00 p.m. and through traffic beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1. Road closures will include Main Street from Chestnut Street to Ohio Avenue, Public Square, High Street, Vine Street, and Gambier Street from South Gay Street to South Mulberry Street. Free public parking is available in lots along South Mulberry and South Gay Streets, as well as on open surrounding streets. All vehicles must be removed from closed streets by 3:00 p.m.
Follow @experiencemountvernon on social media for the latest event details, sneak peeks, and live updates.
ABOUT EXPERIENCE MOUNT VERNON:
Experience Mount Vernon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fosters a vibrant downtown through meaningful community experiences. Visit www.experiencemv.org for more information.
Photos courtesy of Experience Mount Vernon and Emily Morrison Arts
