Cindy Sandeno
Contributing Writer
Enjoy live music. Make a paper landscape with Margaret Baker. Create a pinecone feeder for birds. Paint by Number. Get unbelievable specials at shops and restaurants. Do it all on Friday, August 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. in downtown Marlinton where our community comes together to share their love and knowledge of our mountain culture and natural heritage.
Head down to Discovery Junction, next to the Opera House, this Friday for an evening of fun, friends, music and art. This exciting event will feature “Seldom Free” who will pro- vide an acoustic mix of Blues/Americana jam with high energy and the right choice of classics to get your booty moving – and we are counting on that happening.
“Seldom Free” is the creation of Greenbrier County natives Dan Freeman and Nathan Seldomridge. Dan is a multi-instrumentalist that you might recognize from projects such as “Vern’s Pot o’Chili,” “Lawless Brown” and “Possum Holler Glee Club.” Nathan is a singer/songwriter and guitarist for “Deep State” and “The Longshots.” Pocahontas County resident Joanna Burt-Kinderman adds her passionate stand-up bass playing and rhythmic sensibilities. Ryan Krofcheck rounds out the quartet. Ryan is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalists for “Fletcher’s Grove.”
This event is packed full of free opportunities to make really cool art. Stop in the Opera House to learn from Margaret Baker how to make a stunning paper landscape. Margaret has become hopelessly addicted to snipping, tearing and gluing paper into gorgeous pieces of art. She’ll be on hand to help you do the same. All skill levels are welcome.
You can also create a pinecone bird feeder with Monongahela National Forest AmeriCorps Hannah Scrafford. Once you finish this craft, you can take it home – a great way to add an instant feeding station to your backyard.
The Pocahontas County Artisans Co-op will have its second “paint by number” community mural ready for your contribution. A nature mural will be sketched out on a backdrop, and you are invited to come to the railroad depot to paint a section of the mural. No experience needed. Once the painting is completed, it will be hung next to the depot.
Pocahontas Memorial Hospital/Rural Health Clinic – Mobile Medical Unit will be set up on Third Avenue, and they will have a handprint canvas community art project. This is another great way to create art that will be in the community for years to come.
There are plenty of other great things to do, too, including a dunk tank. Proceeds from the dunking will go to the AMMAR Hounds – an organization that rescues, rehomes and places hounds in need, primarily bloodhounds and basset hounds. Based out of Dunmore, this organization also assists local emergency management with missing persons assistance. We are so excited to have these folks joining our event.
There will be a lot happening in the “Kid’s Zone,” an area with hands-on games for the young of heart. The Family Resource Network will offer face painting, sunscreen and UV bracelets. Staff from Pocahontas County Libraries will have fun, hands-on science activities. There will also be a backyard bass fishing game and toilet paper tosses. Does it get any better than that?
Local downtown businesses are vital participants in First Friday events, and several will keep their doors open late and provide dinner specials, sales, unique items and other things that you will not want to miss. Please be sure to stop in the following businesses during the First Friday celebration: 4th Avenue Sweet Scoops, Alison Pottery, Appalachian Sport, Cackling Hens, Clean Cow, Dirtbean Cafe and Bike Shop, Greenbrier Bike Shop, Little Rainbow Treat Co., Locust Hill Inn, Cabin and Pub, Knapp’s Creek Trout Lodge, Pocahontas County Artisans Co-op, and S&D Diner. Stop by the Discovery Junction Facebook page to see the amazing deals. Don’t worry. If you forget what businesses are participating, you can follow the bear prints or the bubbles. Both will point the way to these awesome destinations. You are going to want to stop in and visit each one!
The “Marlinton Listens” HubCAP Mon Forest Towns Team will host Heather Hanna from Woodlands Community Lenders and Kristen Beverage from the WV Women’s Business Center at the August 6 First Friday event at Discovery Junction. These organizations are offering FREE services to help expand your business, start your new business or technical assistance to help improve your business. They will also be available during the day to stop by any local business which might be interested in hearing more about the services they offer for both new and existing businesses. Would you like to meet with them? Email Kristen at kbev erage@conservationfund.org to schedule an August 6 day-time visit with them.
Knapp’s Creek Trout Lodge will share the table with “Marlinton Listens,” and will have a water bug demonstration table. They have also donated a gift certificate for beginner fly fishing lessons for two – instruction, equipment, and snacks included. All you have to do is fill out a short survey that will shape our future First Friday events. Share your suggestions and you are entered for a chance to win. The winner will be announced at 7p.m.
We invite you to come on down to First Fridays and enjoy local cuisine, shopping, live music and so much more. Each event is different, but they are all fabulous.
Stroll, sip and shop the night away.
