September 5, 2007

Llamas, and Donkeys, and a Miniature Horse—Oh, My!

It’s going to be a zoo in downtown Delaware this week as September’s “First Friday” event helps to kick off the upcoming Delaware County Fair.

Families are invited to stop by the green space outside The Brown Jug Restaurant, 13 W. William St., from 5-9 p.m. to say hello to a barn owl, llama, donkey, and even a miniature horse. The petting zoo is being provided by county fair officials.

This week’s First Friday event also will feature:

• Children’s activities at Andrews House, 39 W. Winter St.
• An appearance by Jester Oatmos, who will entertain crowds with his high-energy antics. His visit is sponsored by Lawyers Title Agency of Delaware, Inc.
• Music by saxophonist Doc Holloway.
• Local street vendors, including area artists.
• A sign-up table for this year’s Run 4 The Jug 5K race. The race will be held Sept. 9 immediately preceding the Hiram Masonic Lodge All Horse Parade.

Many merchants stay open late during each month’s First Friday celebration to accommodate visitors and shoppers. At this week’s event, tickets for the upcoming Delaware County Fair and the “Roundup” event to benefit the Junior Fair Scholarship Fund also will be on sale. The fair runs from September 15-22.

Monthly First Friday events are organized by Main Street Delaware, a non-profit group that seeks to beautify, revitalize, and preserve the city’s historic downtown business district. October’s First Friday, set for October 5, will feature a harvest celebration.

“Come share the evening with us,” encourages Dan Negley, president of Main Street Delaware. “The downtown has so much to offer.”

Visit the Main Street Delaware Web site for more information about the organization and its community events.

– Cole Hatcher