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July 28, 2006 Final Friday Event a Huge Success!

by Becky Stephens

The signs in the windows of the businesses in Oakley are right, “It’s Not Your Grandma’s Oakley Anymore”.  As you stroll through the central business district of Oakley on this warm summer night, you can stop to eat dinner, have a drink, go clothes shopping, buy a flag or hardware, hire an attorney or attempt to save your soul at St. Cecilia Church.  Oakley’s central business district is the place to be on the final Friday of the month. 

As you stood and listened to the irresistible blues sounds of the Jon Justice Band you could hear Cincinnati District 2 Police Officer Lar declare “they’re the best”. As you made your way west on Madison Road you found young Anne Driscoll singing a soulful song and playing guitar.  Located outside of the Fresh Market, Rick Carroll was entertaining the passersby with his acoustic guitar solos.  And if you kept heading west, you could hear the rock and roll songs performed by LoHeat in the parking lot at Hader Hardware.   

Many of the businesses were opened extended hours and offered shopping specials. Pho Paris offered the all-night happy hour. Restaurants like Kona Bistro, Dewey’s Pizza, and Boca were busy with customers. Families gathered outside of Aglamesis to eat ice cream cones while in the Design District, customers were checking out the discounts at Casa De Lorenzo, Nest, T-Shirt Company, Denim and Coco’s.

A number of local businesses got together and brought their idea for Final Fridays to The Oakley Community Council. Together, the Oakley Businesses and the OCC were able to acquire support from other local businesses via sponsorships. The Courtesy Chevrolet, Barron, Peck, Bennie & Schlemmer, 20th Century/Habits and The Fresh Market became platinum sponsors donating $1,000.00 each to jump start the planning and implementation of the event. Other Oakley businesses have also donated money to encourage the development of the monthly event. The event continues to grow!

Final Friday will be happening again on August 25 and September 29. Final Friday’s will be back in spring 2007 and continue throughout the summer months of 2007.  Don’t forget to check out the Final Fridays link on the www.oakleynow.co/finalfridays website to check out the music and events that are coming in August and September.

Here's some more Pictures of the event!

Anne Driscoll Anne Driscoll entertains the crowds at Julys Final Friday	More fans More fans of Anne Driscoll enjoy the Live music at Final Friday	The Crowds came out to see... The Crowds came out to check out the many open house, like this one at Barron, Peck, Bennie and Schlemmer, one of out Plaitinum Sponsors
The Jon Justice Band The Jon Justice Band show why they are sought after across the nation! Check out more about them at www.jonjustice.com	Local Band Low Heat Low Heat rocks out a crowd at Hader Hardware	Rick Carroll Rick Carroll was a hit at The Fresh Market, Great music and Free pineapple!
More fun! Crowds lined the streets all along the Madison Corridor!	Kid's enjoying Low Heat Many family's attended, kids were welcome everywhere, and many enjoyed the Live Music!	Platinum Sponsors Barron Peck Bennie and Schlemmer opened their doors for an open house in one of Oakleys Newest Buildings!
Crowds were everywhere You could find groups of people wandering the entire length of our Oakley Business District!	St Cecilia's Open house St Cecilia's literally opened their doors to everyone!	Our OCC Booth! Oakley Community Council Board members, Terry Gerrard and John Heilman, explain the many benefits of an OCC membership!
Safe and Sound Officer Lar explaining how everything is Smooth going at our Final Fridays event