By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

GROVES — The floor paint was nearly dry when Angel Contreras checked on her new store mid-week. She found the Pucker Powder dispenser by the counter, ready to flow at First Friday in Groves.

Black and fuschia are her colors and the painted message on the wall is a ribbon of positive sentiments: “be funny, be smart, be a rock star.” Most stores sell gift baskets. Contreras will feature gift buckets, possibly with pajamas sold in a tiny package that expand when dunked in water.

“I’m going to sell some clothes and some gifts. I’m going to have all kinds of fun stuff. Sassy, you know,” she said.

Bree Babin, First Friday coordinator, reports Shoogz and Hannah Bay’s are two shops on Lincoln Avenue that have spent the week preparing their new stores to open in time for First Friday, the merchant-sponsored community gathering that calls families to downtown Groves.

There’s no charge to attend First Friday, which is typically crowded with everyone from babies in decorated wagons to their grandparents pulling them along. School groups often entertain and events are geared to the season.

This week features the Scarecrow Showdown, a decoration contest for local businesses. Judging will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Celebration Park.

Bands and students from Tonalta School of Music will provide music. Bring lawn chairs. There are currently eight bands at Tonalta School of Music, some featuring students as young as second grade age. Performances will be at 7:15 and 8:15 p.m. in front of Quality Medical. 

Disc Jockey Donna Marx will provide additional music and trivia and Sunny the Clown and The Jester will paint faces and give away balloon animals. For First Friday, Lincoln Avenue is blocked off from Washington to Coolidge streets. For more information, to become a sponsor, to perform as entertainment, or to reserve a vendor space, contact Bree Babin at FirstFridayinGroves@gmail.com.

Upcoming First Friday dates are: Dec. 4; Feb. 5; and March 5.

“First Friday will not be held January 1. We would like everyone to have the time with their family and friends (to) enjoy the holiday season,” Babin reports.

ddoiron@panews.com