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A-hunting they went in Towanda
Published: November 7, 2009
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Review Photo/ERIC HRIN This costumed deer character was one of the fun sights at First Friday in Towanda. Here, Corinne Czajkowski, on the left, and Cindy Wood pose for a picture with their antlered friend.
TOWANDA - First Friday had a hunting theme, but people didn't have to look very hard in downtown Towanda to find some fun Friday.
Organizers encouraged people to "Hunt 'Til Your Heart's Content," and there were plenty of sights - like a large deer costumed character toting a rifle - and other treats to get people in the mood.
All over town, there was fun and excitement for the first Friday of November.
Linda Kerin of Monroeton was walking down Main Street in the brisk weather, enjoying the festivities. It was her first time at a First Friday.
"I like that they have hot chocolate," she said. She and her family were decked out in an appropriate color, given the hunting theme - orange.
In front of the Bradford County Courthouse, the dancers of the Endless Mountains Dance Center entertained with four of the girls dressed up like Dorothy and her friends from the Land of Oz as they danced to "Ease on Down the Road."
The hunting theme was especially apparent at Dry Goods Plus. There were several taxidermy specimens - including a large black bear - on display, courtesy of Nature's Reflections Taxidermy, a business run by Robert and Connie Boyd from RR2 Canton. Robert Boyd, a full-time taxidermist who spent five years in the 1990s traveling with The Outdoor Channel in the West, Alaska, and Australia - said having the specimens on display in a local business was "something different for us."
Other mounted items included a fox, a deer, and a groundhog - even a ringneck duck. There were also beaver, dingo and kangaroo pelts thrown in for good measure.
Cindy Wood, owner of Dry Goods Plus and one of the First Friday organizers, noted that the First Friday activities also included a "Towanda Trivia Hunt."
For the hunt, stores in town had a sheet of 12 questions for people to answer. And they really tested local history knowledge. One, for example, asked what year the first Towanda Fire Company was organized in Towanda. The winner will be drawn at First Friday in December.
At Wood's store, people could enjoy treats made in a Pumpkin Bake-off. Customers paid $1 to sample the products and there were first, second and third places, based on the most popular items respectively.
The first place winner was Jennifer Caplinger, who made pumpkin whoopie pies; second place was Grace Johnson, who made pumpkin rolls; and third place was Melissa Brassfield, who made a pumpkin dip. They received gift certificates for Dry Goods Plus.
Wood said the First Fridays, which started in July, have been a big success. As a business owner, she noted that the event has brought new people into her business.
"I think it's been going great."
Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; e-mail: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.
1 posted comments
Last night Monica's Heart Greyhound Adoption was there as well as the Towanda Fire Dep. in the mid town parking lot.
First Friday is a great event for the community!