News Release, Leonardtown Business Association
Gone were the band and fans in The Square. Gone were crowds of people on the grass, in the streets, and in the shops. It was not a “usual” First Friday, but these are quite unusual times.
So what did we have as people were welcomed back to town? We had a number of shops and galleries open including the North End Gallery, Shepherd’s Old Field Market, the Gallery & Gift Shop at St. Mary’s County Arts Council, the Good Earth, Fenwick St. Used Books & Music, Heritage Chocolates, Wine & Design, Board & Brush, Bourbon & Bows, New View Fiberworks, Quality St. Kitchen and Catering, and more!
We had take out and/or dine-in options at The Rex, the Front Porch, the Olde Town Pub, Jessie’s Kitchen, Sweetbay, Social Coffeehouse, Brudergarten, the Slice House, the Port of Leonardtown Winery, Kevin’s Café, Antoinette’s Garden, and others – too many shops and restaurants to list here so be sure to join us next month to check out the stores and dining options in person!
Billy Breslin was a featured musician, playing at The Rex to kick off the holiday weekend. The SoMar Drummers brought the beat back and hosted the First Friday audience participation Drum Circle along with St. Mary’s County Arts Council. The Old Jail Museum was open for free tours and Southern Maryland Seaplanes offered fun scenic flights from the Leonardtown Wharf, complete with amazing views from the clear and sunny skies.
We appreciate everyone who attended and adhered to the social distancing guidelines and wore their masks while indoors as required. Our merchants have gone above and beyond to create a COVID-compliant, safe experience for all which at times may have meant waiting a few extra minutes for food service in a limited capacity restaurant or to enter a store with limited occupancy levels. Some shops had only recently reopened and were adjusting to the guidelines set in place by the state and county to keep everyone safe. We thank everyone who attended for their patience and support of our small, family-owned businesses.
Plan on joining us next month on August 7th, 2020 from 5-8 PM, activities and details will be announced soon on the Leonardtown First Fridays Facebook page. The audience participation Drum Circle with the SoMar Drummers will also be continuing from 7-8 PM at the parking lot behind the St. Mary’s County Arts Council.
A note of appreciation to the Town of Leonardtown, the Commissioners of Leonardtown, LBA business members, the SoMar Drummers, the First Friday volunteers, and Platinum Sponsors (The County Times, Leonardtown Chevy Buick GMC, Marrick Homes, Quality Built Homes, and Visit St. Mary’s) for their support.
Submitted by the Leonardtown Business Association (LBA). Photo sources: Billy Breslin/ event at The Rex, Southern Maryland Seaplanes, needle felted sculpture at the North End Gallery, Tuscan salmon over penne pasta at The Front Porch.