First Friday comes back to downtown Ashland

ASHLAND With a splash and a gasp, Ashland City Commission hopeful DJ Rymer dropped into the dunk tank.

Despite the heat, it wasn’t for a quick cool down during the September First Friday event on Friday. Rymer was helping raise money and recognition for River Cities Harvest.

“They service so many in our community,” Rymer said of the nonprofit.

River Cities Harvest Director Andrea Stratman stressed the importance of the organization and its connection to the community.

“We want to raise awareness of what we do and have fun with the community,” Stratman said. “We also want to bring in money because times are hard.”

Rymer wasn’t the only one to visit the dunk tank on Friday. Mayor Matt Perkins and Commissioner Josh Blanton were also scheduled to make an appearance.

Elsewhere around the newly paved Winchester Avenue, there was some dancing and clogging going down.

Guyan River Cloggers tapped to upbeat songs to entertain the crowd, while children joined in on the sidelines.

Dozens of classic cars lined Winchester with the return of the car show to downtown.

In true First Friday fashion, there was also plenty of food and treats to please the growing crowd throughout the evening.

The next and final First Friday of the season will be Latin Night Live on Oct. 6.