Discover Lansdale has announced the details for their upcoming October First Friday, which will be headlined by the return of the annual Lansdale Chili Cookoff for the first time in three years.
Upwards of 15 local entries have been made for the contest, including resident recipes as well as several businesses. Attendees will vote for their top choice, with the top three taking home medals. Winners will be posted on North Penn Now next week.
Aside from the chili cookoff, there will be an inflatable maze as well as autumn-themed face painting, balloon art and craft beers in the beer garden.
Details below.
UNIQUE ACTIVITIES
This month’s unique activities include:
FOOD TRUCKS AND VENDORS
Organizers expect to have roughly six to seven food trucks, with another handful of non-vehicle food vendors throughout the event space.
Food trucks and vendors include:
Food trucks will be lined up single file on Madison Street at Railroad Plaza. Additionally, non-vehicle food vendors will be placed along South Wood Street and inside the beer garden at the West Main Lot.
ENTERTAINMENT
October First Friday will feature music at three locations: 36 Fingers on South Wood Street, DJ Chris Evans at Railroad Plaza, and DJ Tone Arm at the West Main Lot Beer Garden.
Music and performances will begin at each location around 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.
Additionally, there will be a magician performing at Railroad Plaza beginning around 6:30 p.m.
BEER GARDEN
The First Friday Pop-Up Beer Garden at the West Main Lot has bolstered its offerings for its fourth season, with an emphasis on more choice and more fun. The lineup for October includes:
The West Main Lot Beer Garden will also feature tables and chairs, food offerings, cornhole, music and giant Jenga. Additionally, alcoholic beverages will be available on South Wood Street, courtesy of Round Guys Brewing Co.
All guests must be 21+ to drink, and all drinks must remain in the event space where they were purchased. Carrying drinks from one location to another is strictly prohibited.
KIDS' ZONE
For the October First Friday, Discover Lansdale has booked three inflatable activities, including a slide and bounce house at Railroad Plaza and an inflatable maze on South Wood Street.
Fairmount Fire Company will also have their hose out for kids to play with along Susquehanna Avenue next to the beer garden.
New this year, instead of charging fees for each specific attraction, guests will be required to purchase a $5 wristband at the Discover Lansdale tent at Railroad Plaza, which will allow guests unlimited access to the rides. Wristbands can also be purchased on South Wood Street.
This change was made to streamline the event on the organizing end and save money for guests with children or teens.
In addition to the attraction, kids will be able to partake in free face painting, as well as balloon art courtesy of Scott Myers. There is no fee for face paint or balloon art, though tips are encouraged.
PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT
The photo scavenger hunt has returned as a recurring activity for each First Friday in the 2022 season, with a winner being drawn at the end of each event.
Seven photos will be added to the Discover Lansdale Facebook page in the days leading up to the event. To participate, you must be able to identify all seven locations, write them down (along with your name and contact info), and submit it at the Discover Lansdale booth at Railroad Plaza by 9 p.m.
A winner will then be drawn at random, who will receive a gift worth $150 courtesy of Round Guys Brewing Co.
TIMING, WEATHER, CONTACT INFO
This season, First Fridays begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Road closures include South Wood Street from Main to Courtland, Madison Street from Main to the end of the one-way, and Susquehanna Ave. from Main to Courtland.
Should there be a threat of inclement weather, a decision will be announced by 1 p.m. regarding whether or not the event will be held. There is no rain date for First Fridays.
Anyone seeking additional information should email [email protected].
UPCOMING EVENTS AND THEMES
The rest of the 2022 First Friday season is as follows:
(Editor’s Note: the author of this article is also a board member with Discover Lansdale and serves as their First Friday Committee Chairman.)
See also:
Got Championship Chili? Enter Discover Lansdale's Oct. 7 FF Cook-Off
Musical Performance by Real World Hollywood’s Brianna Taylor Headlines September First Friday
Breakdancing, Costume Contest, Water Slides Headline ‘Back to the 80s’ August First Friday
