Community Comes Together At First Friday Event

By Journalist Ms. Jones

POUGHKEEPSIE – Poughkeepsie came together through food, fun, and music on Friday, October 6 at Dongan Square Park as they celebrated First Friday.

“[The purpose of First Friday is] to revitalize Poughkeepsie, show that Poughkeepsie’s on the up rise. There are a lot of really good businesses. There’s a lot of really good people here,” said Gabriel Morales, Social Media Advisor of the First Friday Committee.

Each month features a different theme. The theme this month was Italian which was quite appropriate as the event was held in “Little Italy.” And there was plenty of Italian food on hand.

“We are serving the Spicy Chicken Fusilli. People are loving it. People always respond to this dish… We are having a good time,” said Chelsea Macur, Assistant to the General Manager/Front of the House Manager at Cosimo’s Brick Oven. This was their first time vending at First Friday, but they are looking forward to doing more.

Other food vendors included Rossi Rosticceria, Coppola’s, The Derby, Noshi’s, El Danzante on Wheels, and Forget Me Not Cupcakes. Community organizations also came out to promote their events.

“[Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is] for Family Services… and it’s an event that they do annually to prevent the sexual assault… domestic violence, rape, gender violence… The event is held at All Sport in Fishkill [on October 14] and they have a blacktop walkway area in the back and men are encouraged to come out and wear some women’s shoes and walk a mile… I got a pair of size sixteen red pumps with a black strap,” said Michael Davis, Co-Chairperson of Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. It’s free to walk, but donations are encouraged.

There was also a bouncy house, face painting, popcorn, and cotton candy for kids as well as live music. It was an event for the entire family.

“This is my fourth time [attending]… We support the community as much as we can,” said Teresa Lide who attended the event with her son and neighbors. “[I live] right up the block.”

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