The event is presented by Visit Greater Springfield.
Fountain Avenue will be closed from Columbia to Main streets during the event to allow food trucks and activities.
“People love to bring their dogs downtown and we love to see them, having fun together,” said Kristina Jarrell, downtown events programmer for the Greater Springfield Partnership.
Free dog portraits will be available from 5:30-7:30 p.m. by Dan’s Portraits and Caricatures at Champion City Guide and Supply, while Sip and Dipity will sponsor a “Paint Your Pet Party,” 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Several pet vendors will be set up including Wet Your Whiskers Pet Groomers, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary with giveaways, pet coats, toys and treats; CrispE Treats, which features organic dog and cat treats; Bone-A-Fido Bakery Pet Supply and Grooming will have goods for sale.
Friends of SICSA (Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals) will have pet products with 100 percent of any proceeds raised going to benefit the animals at its shelter.
First Friday also attracted a vendor all the way from Middletown. Marley’s Paw Bakery saw the event posted on Facebook and wanted to get involved and will sell treats and bandanas.
There will be plenty for humans to do including visiting the Clark County Public Library’s Bookmobile, a free yoga session conducted by Sunflower Yoga and live music from After the Rain.
As always, several downtown shops and restaurants will have specials and activities for visitors. Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company will host its Friday Friday Street Food Festival starting at 5 and live music by Columbus Soul & Salvage at 7.
There will be more dog-friendly activities in downtown Springfield later this month with MustardFest, Sept. 20-21 at Mother Stewart’s and National Road Commons Park.
More info
For more information on First Friday, go to facebook.com/SpringfieldOhioCVB. The Greater Springfield Partnership is also gearing up for the annual Holiday in the City activities in late November.
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