First Friday is a monthly event that everyone in our area looks forward to.

People put the work week behind them and head downtown the first Friday of the month to peruse the art galleries, listen to live music, grab a bite to eat, catch up with neighbors, ohh and ahh over classic cars and relax or people watch in one of the many squares.

First Friday is always THE place to be. The streets are filled with noise, laughter and people.

This month First Friday looked and sounded much different.

This month (and last month) the streets are empty. There is no music coming from the pub, no toasting of glasses. There is no gathering in the square, no blankets on the grass.

There is however, still a strong sense of connection and community. Local leadership and the citizens themselves have been creative in encouraging people to stay connected to the community and each other.

Earlier this week, we partook in a “Porch Picnic.” Locals were invited to pick up take out food from one of the small downtown restaurants (or cook something up themselves) and then eat out on their porches where they could wave and chat and “dine” with their neighbors while maintaining an appropriate and safe distance.

More animals made an appearance in the “safari” for the kids.

One street declared itself a “silly walk zone” and mandated that all passing through put on a show, which was met with much enthusiasm, including one exuberant neighbor who donned swim flippers for the occasion.

It has been inspiring to see the ways people are finding to come together in a time determined to keep everyone apart.

First Friday was much quieter this month. The only music were the church bells chiming out the time as we ate take out from the local Thai restaurant.

One thing remained the same.

We toasted, as we do every First Friday, to our decision to take a chance, make a move and venture out to Brunswick by the Sea.

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