MOUNT VERNON — June came in on an unseasonably cool note Friday with rain, brisk winds and temperatures in the 50s. But what started out as an ugly day in the end provided dry skies for the second First Friday celebration of the season in downtown Mount Vernon.
Fabulous ’50s was the theme of the event, which was sponsored by First-Knox Bank and organized by the Heritage Centre Association. The ’50s theme evoked memories of poodle skirts, cat-eye glasses and hot rods, and there was music to match.
The musical acts were almost forced to move indoors to ThePlace@TheWoodward, but the rain moved off just in time for singers and dancers from the upcoming MTVarts production of “Grease” to take the stage at 6 o’clock. They alternated on the main stage on the square with oldies group Greased Lightning. Solo artist Noah Shull, who has recorded as half of the group Front Porch Revival, sang and played traditional blues guitar down Main Street at the First Merit portico.
As always, family fun was at the heart of the event, and youngsters took part in numerous games including coin tosses, putt-putt, bowling and plinko. There were only winners, and kids picked up fun cards they could redeem for prizes. The games were organized by members of the First Church of the Nazarene and volunteers from People First of Ohio.
Among the children enjoying the activities was three-year-old Jaden Stull, who peeled off his sweatshirt and demonstrated an unorthodox overhand bowling technique in his “Tough Guy” tee shirt.
