HdG First Friday to Kick Off War of 1812 Weekend

After a winter hiatus, the monthly outdoor get-togethers in downtown Havre de Grace known as "First Fridays" will resume this week, and there's a special twist this month.

The May 3 event will serve as a "kick-off to the War of 1812 Commemoration Weekend," Havre de Grace Main Street posted on Facebook. Main Street sponsors the First Friday affairs and said this week's will feature "great music, so much great food and so many people..."

Classic cars will be on display along Franklin Street, plus there will be puppeteers, face painting, CrossFit demonstrations and the music of Chris Monaghan, Main Street said.

Do you know of other special First Friday happenings in Havre de Grace? Tell us in the comments!

According to Havre de Grace Tourism Manager Brigitte Peters, the city is expecting 20,000 to 30,000 people between May 3 and 5 for the War of 1812 bicentennial commemoration and the Havre de Grace Decoy and Wildlife Art Festival.

The business community has made the city look the part for the big weekend.

"They’ve done a lot of work on the storefronts—in shops and windows of empty storefronts, they’ve placed War of 1812 signs," Peters said.

During the May 3 First Friday event, there will be a narrated War of 1812 concert at 5 p.m. at the corner of Washington Street and Pennington Avenue, according to Peters. "They'll be out performing little vignettes," Peters said, for approximately 45 minutes.

On First Fridays, stores generally offer specials, and at least one is incorporating the War of 1812 theme into its offerings. Caribbean restaurant Kairi Lele is hosting a raffle, the winners of which will win gift certificates for $18.12 to the restaurant.

Main Street posted on Facebook that Coakleys Pub, MacGregor's Restaurant, Laurrapin Grille and The Billard Club are offering cafe seating on May 3.

Last week, MacGregor's and Rodger's House Tavern were granted permission from the Harford County Liquor Control Board to serve alcohol in designated areas outside.

Laurrapin and Coakleys were on the liquor board's agenda for May 1 as applicants for outdoor liquor permits.

What are you looking forward to most? The First Friday celebration will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, May 3, according to Main Street.