More vendors are welcome at First Fridays in Sharpsburg

Crafters, candle makers, jewelry designers, food vendors and others looking to set up shop would be hard-pressed to find a better price for a spot than free.

When and where is this opportunity?

That would be First Fridays in Sharpsburg.

The monthly event, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the borough, continues to be a place of celebration and sales organized by Fox Chapel native and Sharpsburg business owner Katie Sirianni of Love, Katie Distilling.

She said more people have been signing up each month since it first launched in January.

“You’ll see a different variety of people coming through,” Sirianni said. “We don’t charge anybody to sign up. We want our community to shine. We want people to come down and taste what Sharpsburg has to offer. We’re blooming down here. It’s lovely to see.

“There’s a lot more (borough) businesses that are seeing this becoming more successful. Businesses are open later than they normally would, which is awesome.”

North Canal Street is closed between Main Street and Bonaventura Way to help with pedestrian traffic.

It may be expanded further down the road should enough businesses sign up.

Several restaurants/bars host live entertainment. Guitarist/singer Notorious Dr. D, a Sharpsburg resident, performs at Love, Katie Distilling.

Shaler artist Jacki Temple showcased her acrylic and oil paintings in the exhibit “Unbearable Lightness” at Atithi Studios along North Canal Street. As she mingled with May’s First Friday guests, she talked about how color is a language and how exciting it was to see everyone exploring her artwork.

Most of the participants set up along the street. Roots of Faith along Main Street hosts a variety of vendors indoors.

Businesses and groups that want to be a part of First Fridays in Sharpsburg should email katie@lovekatiedistilling.com.