When the big Uncle Joe Cannon commemoration weekend begins Friday night, it will be going right along with Downtown Danville’s First Friday’s event for the month of May. As Danville Community Relations Administrator Ashton Greer recently told Laura Williams on 1490 WDAN’s Community Connection program, another good size crowd is expected. In fact, after April’s Hop Danville Easter event, the feedback was strong right away.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: One of my vendors sent me an e-mail this weekend saying, “We had several guests from Rantoul, Decatur, Savoy…” They were like “this wasn’t just a Danville crowd.” And I think that that is something that I’m noticing more and more at our events. Danville’s showing up, but so are tourists.
And as Ashton Greer also pointed out, THIS Danville First Fridays “Sweets in the Street” event will ALWAYS be remembered for the Joseph G Cannon moments going right along with it.
AUDIO: This event has exploded this year. The Vermilion County Administration Building is being renamed to honor Joe Cannon. And so they’re doing a naming ceremony at 6 PM. But in addition to that they’re bringing down a Classic Car Cruise-in; and then also the Vermilion Voles Base Ball team, which is like a classic base ball team, is doing a demonstration.
For more information on what’s going on with the First Friday’s Sweets in the Street, including the planned life size Candyland game on the lawn of the Danville Public Library, just go to the city release below:
THE FOLLOWING IS A CITY OF DANVILLE FIRST FRIDAYS PRESS RELEASE
Danville, April 12, 2023 – Come Downtown on Friday, May 5 from 5-8 PM to enjoy Sweets in the Streets, a fun and fantasy experience! Many themed activities will take place, and it is sure to be a sweet time for all who attend.
The Danville Public Library will host a life-sized Candy Land game on the lawn! Also Downtown, we will have a DJ and other activities including a bake sale benefiting local nonprofits, balloon animals, face painting, Wonka and Seussical Characters, an old-fashioned candy cart, Kayla’s Chic Treats cupcakes and cake auction, Joyful Bubbles, and many food options!
Grab a bite at Downtown staples like Lovin’ Cup and Lainey’s or others such as Kona Ice, Kayla’s Chic Treats, Exotic Pina to Go, Castle’s Candies, Norah’s Smokehouse, and Berzerker’s Grill!
The Amazing Giants will be present for the event and look for fun activities at local shops! Strolling musicians will serenade you as you peruse downtown.
At 5 PM, enjoy a Danville Barbershop Chorus performance at Temple Plaza! At 6 PM, there will be an Uncle Joe Cannon Naming Ceremony at the County Administration Building. The first 300 attendees will receive a coupon to redeem for complimentary Chuckle’s candy at Lima Bean Glassworks and Gifts. The ceremony will also host The Vermilion Voles Demonstration of 1858 Baseball in Classic Uniforms and the “Uncle Joe Cannon Classic Car
Cruise In” from 5-8 PM.
The David S. Palmer Arena will host the Market on Main with a variety of vendors to shop! Bring the family down for all of this and MORE as we continue to add activities to the roster for the evening!
None of this is possible without our First Fridays Sponsors:
Champion Sponsors:
Hayley Siefert with Keller Williams Realty, TREC
Carle Health
Investor Sponsors:
OSF Healthcare
Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness
Partner Sponsors:
Christie Clinic
Two Roads Wellness Clinic
Hall of Fame Plaques and Signs
Country Financial – Pete Goodwin, Chris Griffin, Amanda Galloway
Watchfire
Vermilion Advantage
Old National Bank
thyssenkrupp Dynamic Components
Child Care Resource Service at University of Illinois
Supporter Sponsors:
Lima Bean Glassworks and Gifts
Aqua Illinois
Ameren IL
News story here.
