Well, tonight (March 6) Bryan and myself (Mark) made our way, once again, to downtown Lancaster for First Friday.

I would just like to thank everyone who we spoke to for being so positive and responding with such interest. Thank you especially for those of you who have allowed us to post our flyers. We are really hoping to make this a regular local event and the more visibility we can achieve the better. With your help I believe this is going to be a great event.

I've got to say, talking with local merchants and seeing the turn out for these nights that I plan on attending many more First Fridays in the future. I had heard of this movement building over the past few years and had held a curiosity for checking it out, "one of these days," but had just never gotten around to it. I feel a bit ashamed of this because I was born and raised in Lancaster. I used to drive the loop in the late 80's and quite frankly that was the only time I had ever seen any large scale interest in the downtown area. I had known for years of all the cool shops and restaurants in the area. I used towork in the city as a delivery driver for D.H.L. from 2000 to 2006. After I had left that job I moved to Lititz and on to another profession. Just as I was leaving D.H.L. though,First Friday's was beginning to take off. I regret that it took me this long to discover how vibrant the city was becoming.

I am very excited that our little project is going to be held in the city and feel proud that we have the opportunity to become a small part of this revitalized interest in the beautiful city of Lancaster.

I hope see you at the Festival, and again, and again at future Friday events!

Mark Pennell.