October’s First Fridays theme is “Homecoming,” parallel to Goshen College’s Homecoming around this time. The sidewalks and lamp-posts are decorated with scarecrows and cornstalks and pumpkins, and everything looks very autumnal. The Lavender Jazz Band from Goshen College will be performing in the Goshen Theater, with recent alumnus Simon Hurst on guitar. Sets will be at 6 and 8 PM. Ignition Music will host the Homecoming Block Party, a celebration inside and around the store with a DJ, dancing, and food. At 7:45 PM, dancers outside Ignition will reenact Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video.
There are lots of places to eat in downtown Goshen on First Fridays, from a fundraiser dinner at The Window to food trucks outside the Goshen Theater. Cornerstone Christian Fellowship will also be having a chili cook-off. Various downtown restaurants will also be open.
The Goshen Historical Museum will have a demonstration of wool spinning by Cindy Collins, owner of Pelusa Art. The museum will also kick off an exhibition of fiber art by Liz Wenger. At Better World Books, you can purchase gift certificates to local stores to raise funds for the EAT SHOP GIVE program from the Center For Healing And Hope. Half of the proceeds of these certificates will go to the Center, which provides medical care to those in need. There will also be several authors, including Mennonite author Lucinda Miller, at Better World Books for signings throughout the evening.
Unrelated to First Fridays (but still a cool event), Goshen Community Contra Dancing holds a dance on the first saturday of every month at First United Methodist Church, 215 South 5th Street, Goshen. Contra dancing is kind of like line dancing and square dancing combined, and it’s fun for everyone. Admission is $8 for members of the general public, and $5 if you’re a student.
November’s First Fridays theme is Art Walk. Artists will be exhibiting their work throughout downtown. Stay tuned for more details!