First Fridays in Sharpsburg growing every month

An effort to showcase Sharpsburg businesses and promote the borough is gaining momentum.

First Fridays was launched by the Sharpsburg Business Group and organized by Katie Sirianni of Love, Katie Distilling in January.

Several businesses stayed open a little later. Some had special promotions.

North Canal Street closed between Main Street and Bonaventura Way to help with pedestrian traffic.

Sirianni, a Fox Chapel native, said she was inspired to start it after speaking with one of her live musical acts about a similar event in Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood.

“I just started my company in September, and I’d love to get business down here,” she said. “I think we have a great community. There’s a lot of new things coming in. … I took the bull by the horns and let’s go.”

The first Friday of the month is becoming a big day in the borough with more organizations joining the effort.

This month’s theme was St. Patrick’s Day. Several businesses sported a lot of green decor.

There was a scavenger hunt for adults, and the Sharpsburg Community Library hosted a crafting activity.

“We’re trying to do something new every month to bring people into the community,” Sirianni said. “A lot of local vendors. We’re just trying to do as much as we can to bring people into the area and really make it a great space for this community. I think Sharpsburg really needs this, and I know all the businesses truly agree. This is a group effort. We all are working together to make this a great event.”

Frankie Marckisotto, owner of Frankie’s Sausage, served up sandwiches at March’s First Friday.

The smell of sizzling peppers, onions and meats wafted throughout North Canal Street.

“I love it,” Marckisotto said. “I think it brings the community together. It’s good for everybody. Everybody can enjoy themselves. The weather is holding up, and it’s a good thing.”

Live entertainers on the streets included fire dancers and instructors from Sharpsburg-based Art in Motion.

“We’re happy to be here to bring awareness to performing arts and accessibility to the arts in neighborhoods we are frequently in and living in,” said instructor Bailey Zembower said. “Art in Motion offers classes for all ages and all skill levels, and it’s a welcoming, inclusive studio. We’re here to allow performing arts to be accessible to all.”

The next event is April 5.

Businesses and groups that want to be a part of First Fridays in Sharpsburg can email katie@lovekatiedistilling.com.