A hot-dog-eating contest, a Porsche car show and country music will be a part of September’s First Friday on Sept. 6 in Warsaw.
“There’s a lot of stuff going on,” said First Friday coordinator Paula Bowman.
Contestants are being sought for the hot-dog-eating contest.
The Lake City Lions Club will host the hot-dog-eating contest from 5 to 6 p.m. downtown. It will be located across from the courthouse on Center Street.
Reeve Insurance Group is sponsoring the event and will be putting up cash prizes for the winners.
Contestants will have five minutes to eat as many hot dogs as they can. Ten men and 10 women are needed to sign up for the event.
Prizes will be $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. The money will be awarded in the men’s and women’s groups.
To sign up before the contest and pick up the rules, stop by Reeve Insurance Group, 1135 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw.
The theme for September’s First Friday is “Bringing Hope.” Local nonprofits and service organizations will have their booths downtown so people can learn more about them and the services they offer. Bowman said some of the organizations will include CASA, Heartline Pregnancy, BABE Boutique and more.
If any other service organization wants a booth at the Sept. 6 First Friday, Bowman said they can fill out an application online at wcdc.org under the First Friday tab.
Country music artist Joshua Scott Jones, formerly of the band Steel Magnolia, will perform from 7 to 9 p.m.
Bowman said Jones “has a very interesting backstory.” He had an addiction problem and overcame it, and he will be working his story into his performance.
“He’s very encouraging and tells people they can overcome and beat their addictions,” Bowman said.
The annual Porsche car show is 5 to 8 p.m. on Buffalo Street.
Deb Collier’s School of Dance will perform from 6 to 7 p.m.
Food vendors also will be on hand at First Friday.
Then in October, the theme for First Friday will be “Art-tober,” from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 4 at the courthouse square.
Bowman said they are still looking for vendors of antiques, art, jewelry, books, vintage clothing, collectibles and more for the Oct. 4 event. Send pictures of merchandise to ffpaula@comcast.net for vetting. Booth fee is $25 and register at warsawcdc.org/firstFridayvendor.
Also at the October First Friday, Bowman said Lakeland Art Association will be sponsoring a plein art contest open to anyone. People can paint with any media – acrylic, oil, etc. – around downtown and judging will take place that evening. The LAA will have designated spots or a painter can choose their own spot, Bowman said.
“It’s going to be great. We’ve never done that before. I’m excited,” she said.
The November First Friday will again be “Thanks for Giving,” while December’s will be “Happy Holly Days.” The ice sculptures, twinkle light parade and Santa House all will return for the December event.
First Friday is sponsored by the Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation, the city of Warsaw and Warsaw Community Development Corp.
