Ashland Welcomes Latin Night Live and Fire Friday
for its Final First Friday of the Year
Pamela Hall
Ashland Beacon
First Friday’s have always been one of the most highly anticipated events that takes place in the city of Ashland Kentucky. The event is organized by Visit AKY and is held, as the name indicates, on the first Friday of each month during the summer and early fall. The last First Friday of this year’s season will be this Friday, Oct. 4, on Broadway Square in downtown Ashland from 6 – 9 p.m. The themes for the evening are Latin Night Live and Fire Friday.
“We are very excited to partner with Ashland for Change for Latin Night Live and Ashland Fire Department for Fire Friday,” said Carly Conley Thomas, Events Coordinator for Visit Ashland. “Latin Night Live is always a hit. They have the best entertainment for all ages, and yummy, authentic food.”
This is the fourth year for Latin Night Live, in conjunction within First Friday, and it is sponsored by Ashland for Change for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Ashland for Change, according to the Facebook page, is a nonprofit, community-led organization dedicated to educating the community about social inequality and discrimination toward minority groups. Latin Night Live is one of several events that the organization is a sponsor of in working toward that endeavor. Latin Night Live has gained in popularity each year at First Friday. The family-friendly event is marked by the fun and food to be had, as well as the cultural highlights.
Cesiah Blanton, lead organizer of the event for Ashland for Change, relates that those attending can expect to experience the delicious flavors of authentic Hispanic food, as well as immerse themselves in music, dancing, and art. DJ Juarez will provide live music and there will be performances by authentic folklore dancers as well. Plus, don’t miss out on the fun of riding the mechanical bull!
Learning about Hispanic culture is also a main objective, of course. Local Spanish Honor Society students and teachers will be on hand to assist in educating those interested in learning more about the various Hispanic cultures.
Fire Friday is collaborating with Latin Night Live and First Friday for the second year. October is also National Fire Prevention Month and this year’s theme is “Smoke Detectors, Make Them Work for You.” The Ashland Fire Department will be on hand to provide education and tips for preventing fires in your home.
“Ashland Fire Department has some REALLY cool things planned,” said Thomas, “and so it is a must visit for kids. Both organizations (Ashland for Change and Ashland Fire Department) are great to work with, and we’ve been looking forward to this event since last year’s ended.”
“The Ashland Fire Department is proud to be a part of this event,” said Deputy Fire Chief Will McKenzie. “We want to invite everyone to come out and enjoy the evening and learn more about fire prevention.”
In addition to the food and fun, various vendors will be on hand for those wanting to shop. There will also be three LED robots handing out balloons, shooting bubble guns, and taking pictures with kids. There is something for everyone to enjoy!
“It’s a great night for families to come and learn about fire prevention and Hispanic heritage,” said Blanton. “Come out and enjoy the fun in downtown Ashland.”
Don’t miss the last First Friday of the season, Latin Night Live and Fire Friday, October 4 from 6-9 p.m. on Broadway Square in downtown Ashland. Fun, food, music, dancing and more!
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