First Friday returns to Perrysburg

Recycling-themed carnival will be the main attraction

7/29/2014

Downtown Perrysburg Inc.‘‍s First Friday series continues this week, but with a toss-in-the-bin twist.

A recycling-themed carnival will be the attraction at the event, held along Louisiana Avenue and Second Street. 

On Friday (the first Friday of the month, thus the series’‍ name) games will be hosted by the Perrysburg public service division and YMCA that includes figuring out what trash should deposited into which recycling container. There will be opportunities for participants to show off their talents with sand art, using recyclable glass bottles from Owens-Illinois Inc., the event sponsor. 

Mobile children’‍s carts used in the Safety Town program have been transformed into mini-recycling trucks for children to use. A city recycling truck will be on display to help show the process involved in recycling.

“The city has a lot with its recycling program and it is an important message to share with the young kids in Perrysburg,” said Jeff Abke, treasurer for Downtown Perrysburg Inc. which organizes the event. 

First Fridays are held from 6 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each summer month in downtown Perrysburg. Other than costs to purchase food and items from vendors, it is a free event with children‘‍s activities. Jeff Tucker will entertain with live music entertainment this Friday.

In addition to the featured recycling activities, First Friday’‍s traditional activities will be offered, including the bouncy house, vendors, a costumed clown, and food.

Recycling opportunities will be available as well.  Second Sole will accept donations of gently used shoes that will be shipped to children in Africa. The Ronald McDonald House will accept pull tabs from cans in exchange for an ice cream cone. 

Bass Pro Shops will have casting buckets and clean-water education; there will be a car which runs on vegetable oil, and representatives from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources‘‍ Scenic Rivers will be on hand. 

“Environmental awareness lessons are good for all ages to help keep the planet green,” Mr. Abke said. “I think children get a kick out of seeing the trucks and vehicles they don’‍t see in their driveway. There are a lot of interactive events that they will enjoy too.”

Contact Matt Thompson at: mthompson@theblade.com, 419-356-8786, or on Twitter at @mthompson25.