Introduction

First Friday is a community event, celebrated each year in downtown Hood River on the First Friday of each month from May through October.The event is a promotion to increase business and awareness of downtown businesses.

For First Fridays in July, August, and September, the DBC and Chamber obtain permits which allow for the closing of Oak Street and the side streets between 1st Street and 6th Street.

Event Details

Dates: First Friday of every month from May-October

Time: 5-8pm

Street Closure Months: July, August, September

Free Promotion and Marketing: The Chamber markets the event through social media and public relations throughout the Pacific NW

Paid Advertising: The Hood River News offers a 50% rate break to Chamber members to participate in a group advertisement the Wednesday prior to the event

  • Space Reservation Deadline: The Wednesday two weeks before the event
  • Content Deadline: The Friday one week before the event
  • Contact:Jody Thompson at HR News, 541-386-1234

Outside Group Participation

During First Friday, when the streets are not closed, vendors and non-profit organizations are prohibited from setting up or locating on the sidewalk or in any areas that impede the safe flow of foot traffic.

For-Profit Businesses from outside the downtown Hood River area will be discouraged from participating in First Friday.

We discourage outside for-profit activity, because the event is a promotion to increase business and awareness of downtown businesses. Inviting and hosting food vendors, crafts people or others selling purchased or handmade merchandise creates competition for merchants, who support First Friday through Chamber membership, volunteer hours, and sponsorships.

Artists, Performers, and Non-Profit Groups seeking host sites and venues for performing must make arrangements directly with downtown business or building owners. Amped music is not allowed—acoustic music only.

Non-Profit Groups that wish to set up a sale table are welcome to First Friday if they are:

1)Invited by a business

2)OR by setting up in the designated area on a first-come, first-served basis along the sidewalk at the south side of Oak and west of 5th near Georgiana Smith Library Park.

Security:

The City of Hood River Police Department is responsible for public safety. When streets are open, it is their job to patrol and control traffic. During First Fridaysthe Chamber and DBC will hire separate security (from 4:30-8:30pm) and take an active role in assuming policy enforcement. We ask the downtown merchants for help in identifying and mitigating any issues within their area.

Permitting:

The Chamber takes responsibility for submitting the required special event permits for First Friday street closures. Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital generously covers the $1800 in fees and is the sponsor of the First Fridays for those three months.

Signage:

The Chamber will post a variety of signs for First Friday:

  • Signs: Sandwich board signs will be placed in designated areas within the city.
  • Plastic-corrugated core signs—To advise people that the street is closed to all traffic, including skateboards, bikes, etc., for pedestrian safety.

Alcohol:

Stores are permitted to offer free wine and beer to customers, but the Chamber and DBC ask that store owners please keep all alcohol consumption within their stores. The Chamber provides a sign for merchants to print that reads “Please No Alcohol Beyond This Point.” The is provided to you in your First Friday Packet.

Your help and cooperation in following these simple procedures will ensure a successful and profitable First Friday experience for everyone.

Questions? Please contact the Chamber at 541-386-2000.

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