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Experience Mount Vernon presents August First Friday sponsored by Griffin Insurance

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – Join us for a DOGGONE good time on August 4th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. for August Friday sponsored by Griffin Insurance!

August First Friday will feature WNZR’s annual “Dogs Days of Summer” dog costume parade along South Main Street to Public Square. The streets are sure to be flooded with furry cuteness like never before. Dogs of all shapes and sizes will strut their fluff proudly showcasing their creative and adorable costumes. From tiny Chihuahuas dressed as superheroes to fluffy Golden Retrievers masquerading as royalty, every participant is sure to bring  a sense of joy and laughter to the crowd. The atmosphere will be filled with excitement, as children and adults alike cheer and applaud each pup as they prance down the parade route. This remarkable tradition celebrates the bond between humans and their four-legged companions, reminding everyone of the fun and happiness that dogs bring to our lives. Registration for the parade is now live at www.wnzr.fm/dog-days-of-summer or participants may register on-site between 6:30-7:10 p.m. at the South Main Plaza Dog Fountain. The parade will begin at 7:15 p.m.

There will be LIVE MUSIC on the Public Square Main Stage coordinated by the team at Nellie Six Productions. Featured performers will include Savanna Shai, Brad Oviatt, Sawmill Joe, Steven Stanley, John Schnabel, Vernon Schubel, Sarah Goslee Reed, and Courtney DeCosky & Jeff Williams. Bring a lawn chair and join us to support the amazing local talent Knox County has to offer. 

Looking for a new four-legged family member? We are excited to announce that the Leadership Knox Class of 2023 will be at the New Directions Community Corner on East Gambier Street hosting a dog adoption event! This event aims to bring joy and happiness to our community by connecting families with their new furry companions. Leadership Knox will be working with the Knox County Dog Shelter and Dogs of Knox, so there is certain to be a perfect match for everyone. The event will not only offer an opportunity for families to find their forever pets, but also provide valuable information on responsible pet ownership and the importance of adoption. So mark your calendars and join us on August 4th for an evening filled with wagging tails, wet noses, and a chance to make a difference in the lives of these lovable animals.

The MVNU Cougar Athletics and Knox Board of Developmental Disabilities Activity Zone, sponsored by Knox Community Hospital, will be on South Main Street, between Gambier Street and Ohio Avenue, providing activities for the whole family.  Also featured in the Activity Zone is the Mount Vernon Fire Department and Mount Vernon Police Department Touch-A-Truck sponsored by PAK United!  Be sure to stop by the Ohio Avenue and South Main Street intersection to get a picture with local first responders and their vehicles.

Come hungry because the August Knox Foodies Food Truck Trail, sponsored by Ariel Corporation, will include Annie’s Concessions, Mama Lupe’s, Sunny Sips, A&E Gluten Free, Big Pappy’s BBQ, Fried & Went to Heaven, Dreia’s Kitchen, Woolson’s Kettle Corn, Round Hill Dairy, Honey Buckets, and Sweet Treats. 

Still need tickets for the Mount Vernon Presents season of events? The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium will have their box office open at the New Directions Community Corner on East Gambier Street.

The A+ Autobrokers Cruise-In is back on Public Square for August! Cruise-In traffic should arrive no earlier than 4:30pm when streets will be fully shut down and be in place no later than 6:00 p.m. Please note that all Cruise-In traffic should enter and exit Public Square via Gay Street and/or Chestnut Street only. Public Square will begin two-way traffic at 4:30 p.m. For more information about participating in the First Friday Cruise-In visit www.experiencemv.org/cruise-in-info. To volunteer to help with the cruise-in, please email director@experiencemv.org or call/text 740-393-1481.

Beginning at 4:00 p.m., Main Street from Chestnut Street to Ohio Avenue, including one block east and west, and Public Square will be closed to both parking and vehicle traffic. All parked vehicles should be removed from said streets by 4:00 p.m. If you have questions, please contact Executive Director, Lacey Filkins at 740-393-1481 (call or text) or email director@experiencemv.org. Parking can be found at Public Lots on South Gay and Mulberry Streets as well as off of East High Street. Experience Mount Vernon has partnered with Knox Public Health to host a Bike Valet station located in the Blue Ash Parking Lot, located on the corner of East Ohio Avenue and South Main Street. Special thanks to Martha Edelblute for the use of the lot.  As part of the Active Transportation Plan, both Experience & Knox Public Health encourage those who can bike, to take advantage of this FREE service!

Save the dates for the Experience Mount Vernon season:

  • September 1st: Back to School September First Friday presented by MVNU, Kenyon, COTC, and Knox County Career Center – (featuring the educational institutions’ department fair)
  • October 6th: Johnny Appleseed Apple Festival presented by the Peoples Bank of Gambier
  • November 25th: Shop Small Saturday
  • November 26th: Winter in Downtown Kick-Off featuring the Holiday Parade, pictures with Santa, and the Lighting of Public Square
  • December 16th: Pictures with Santa at the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel and the Festival of Lights Residential Lighting Competition.

Media partners  include 90.9 WNZR, 100. 9  WMVO, and Super Q 93.7.

Experience Mount Vernon reminds you to shop small and shop local  all year long with our Shop Small Map: www.experiencemv.org/s/Shop-Small-Map-1.pdf

To learn more about First Fridays or to join the #experience, visit www.ExperienceMV.org

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