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Guide to Elk Grove First Fridays

By Michelle Ventress

The art scene is alive and well in Old Town Elk Grove. Not only do local businesses stay open late, but crafters, artists and musicians set up and display their wares. Just to make life a little easier, free parking abounds. On the first Friday of every month, from 5 p.m. till 9 p.m. visit Elk Grove Blvd., east of Elk Grove Florin, you will find everything from classic cars, homemade organic soap, handmade jewelry to face painting and much more. Local restaurants also offer specials and extended happy hours for First Friday goers to enjoy.
Elk Grove Center
(credit: Michelle Ventress)

Elk Grove Fine Arts Center
9080 Elk Grove Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95624
(916) 685-5992
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 11-4
Directory Listing

The Elk Grove Fine Arts Center is located in the heart of Old Town Elk Grove. They offer classes featuring a variety of mediums for beginners and experienced artists and art classes geared specifically for children. The First Friday Art Reception features new different artists each month and is open to new artists.

8/1 Arts & Culture - Elk Grove Breast Cancer
(credit: Michelle Ventress)

Driving Out Breast Cancer
9029 Elk Grove Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95624
(916) 686-7661
Hours: Thursday through Sunday Noon-6
www.mydobcwheels.org

This non-profit geared to the men and women who are battling breast cancer or who are in recovery is a fantastic resource for the community. Creator Patricia McElroy is the woman behind the scenes who has a passion for helping people. Though she hasn't had breast cancer herself, she has seen the devastation that can come from it and has decided to do something to support those in the community that are facing the battle. She created steering wheel covers in a variety of designs and colors all with the pink breast cancer ribbon and yellow dotted lined road- symbolizing the road to recovery. For $20, all proceeds will go towards patients and survivors to help with medical costs.

8/1 Arts & Culture - Elk Grove Woodcrafts Hummingbird
(credit: Michelle Ventress)

John's Woodcrafts
(916) 812-7445

John W. Iverson is an artist with incredible wood working skills. From wall hangings to 3D designs and wording, Iverson creates for the enjoyment. Set up under a pop-up tent along Elk Grove Blvd., you'll find him on Elk Grove First Fridays with dozens of his most impressive pieces. His favorite is a beautiful rendition of a tiger atop a red background that took him 18 hours to complete. He also does custom orders for those with something special in mind.

8/1 Arts & Culture - Elk Grove Music
(credit: Michelle Ventress)

Street Vendors and Artists
Elk Grove Blvd.

Dotting the sidewalks during any given First Friday event, you'll no doubt find face painters, balloon artists, dancers, bands and even a classic car club. Though the bands or dancers may change, the entertainment does not. As the event is completely free to the public, there is no charge to enjoy the fun. There's also a good chance you'll be welcomed on stage to sing or belly dance with the pros.

Michelle Ventress lives in Sacramento with her husband and two dogs. When she's not writing or
traveling she enjoys spending time working in her garden and volunteering.
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