MOUNT VERNON — Although the weather didn’t cooperate with the inaugural First Friday of 2009, it didn’t totally dampen the spirit of downtown Mount Vernon.

“Late this afternoon we were looking at the forecast and it just did not look good. Since we knew we already had ThePlace@TheWoodward available to us, we decided to move it inside,” said Lynne Ricard, downtown manager of the Heritage Centre Association. “With the live band and all that sound equipment, we didn’t want to have that problem with the rain.”

A number of the events, including the Bounce House, Sophia’s Petting Zoo, the volleyball tournement and the classic car Cruise-in were cancelled, but the bands did play.

In addition to ThePlace@TheWoodward, Sips Coffee House and Harald’s Appliances played host to the remaining events.

Teachers and administrators from Mount Vernon City Schools were on hand to blow up balloons for the children and promote the upcoming school levy.

Undaunted by the rain, Rex Naylor was on hand as usual, making his balloon animals for the youngsters. One young man, James Carson, was watching Naylor make one of his creations.

“He made a squirrel,” Carson said. “It’s really cool.”

Naylor also made a small poodle balloon for Carson’s girl friend.

The Mount Vernon City Brass and String Ensemble entertained at Herald’s and the John Vining Trio performed at Sips.

The Mount Vernon News will again sponsor the Little Miss Friday Pageant this year. Registrations for Little Miss First Friday Queen (ages 8-10) and Little Miss First Friday Princess (ages 5-7) are being handled through Krystal Drye at First-Knox National Bank. To sign up or for more information, contact Drye at 399-5122.