A case for First Friday

When I moved to St. Pete, I knew approximately no one. I say approximately because the only people I “knew” were the roommates I had met on Craigslist, and my brother’s friend from elementary school who I’d never met in real life. So yes, I knew no one. So how does a brand new college graduate, two thousand miles from home, working 60 hours per week meet people? Good question.

The truth is, we Google: “Things to do in St. Pete,” “Ways to meet people in St. Pete,” “How to know if your Craigslist roommate might actually be an ax murderer”… In all sincerity, we search for events, live music, any opportunity to meet people like us – that’s how I first stumbled upon First Friday.

Jackpot,  I thought to myself. It had everything – live music, drinks, the likelihood of meeting people my age. And it’s for a good cause. The idea of it was awesome. The actual event, not so much. If you’ve been to First Friday, you know what I’m talking about. It’s a well-understood running joke these days that First Friday is to be avoided at all costs.

The problem? If you arrive too early, you’re greeted by a sea of lawnchairs, seating folks old enough to be your grandparents. If you arrive too late, the event has already been overtaken by the bar crowd. There’s barely room to breathe or move, and newly-crowned 21 year olds abound, taking shots and selfies – everywhere. For many, First Friday has lost its appeal.

But it’s time to take it back. Or – dare I say – to make First Friday great again. But why? And how?

New bands. New drinks. New themes. The Breakfast Optimists are hard at working thinking of ways to make First Friday better. They’re starting with themes. Last month’s theme was Mardi Gras, this month’s is the Kick-off of Tampa Bay Beer Week. Each month will have its own theme, and drinks to go along. Drinks this month will include brews from local craft favorites like Crooked Thumb, Cigar City, and Cycle Brewing. The next step is music. The Optimists are looking to book great local bands to change up the music scene and appeal to a younger audience. If you know of one – reach out!

An active new lead sponsor.  J.J. Taylor is the new lead sponsor for First Friday and they are bringing strong energy and support to level up every month.  By leveraging their relationship with strong adult beverage brands they are adding infrastructure, ambiance and new flavor to the mix. 

It’s for a good cause. First Friday is run entirely by volunteers from The Breakfast Optimists Club, a 501C3 non-profit organization that does great things in our community. The Breakfast Optimists use the funds raised from First Friday for community and international projects, from the Ronald McDonald House, to Citizen of the Month Awards (you’ve probably seen the bumper stickers) to a fish-a-thon, and pack-a-sack.

It welcomes new ‘Burgers and visitors alike. For people like me, First Friday may be the first experience of what St. Pete is all about. We have an opportunity as a city to make sure that it’s a great one, reflective of all of the things we love about St. Pete. We can do that by showing up, meeting someone new, and contributing to the collective vibe of First Friday.

Yeah, I can feel your skepticism from here, believe me. But in a city that gives so much to us, why not give a little back, too. And besides, it’s for the children.