Nobody likes a Monday; people can tolerate a Wednesday, but people sure do love a Friday! Almost every month, Old Town Manassas holds an event each Friday between the months of Feburary to November. This literal block-buster event is called First Friday, a well-loved and well-known non-stop party!
Upon entering Old Town while a First Friday is being held, you are greeted with tunes from DJ booths, delicious aromas lingering in the air from all the restaurants hustling food out, and smiles! This all sounds terrific, but how can students decide how to spend their time when there is so much fun to go around? Madison Hartsell, a freshman, said, “The pavilion is where I usually hang out, because most of my friends are usually there. The pavilion isn’t like the most popular spot, but as more people come, more people come.” Another student gives me a sneak peek into their opinion. “Lowkey, the pavilion is definitely the most popular spot. The second most popular spot would be either the parking garage or near the train tracks. I think the pavilion is definitely the most popular, because of the skaters, who bring a lot of attention,” Deborah Sambrano stated.
First Friday is an event typically targeted to all ages, but students have various views on this. Obviously, there are things at First Friday limited to people only 21+, like alcohol. That would technically be the only area where your age could restrict you from something at First Friday. Besides that, the fun at First Friday is a free-for-all! There are different perspectives on this, though. Devin Brown stated, “I feel like First Fridays are more aimed at adults, because I feel like the event is more money-based. Like when you go to First Friday, and you want to get food, you can’t get any of that stuff without money. And of course, adults who have jobs and are actively getting paid are definitely going to have more fun than kids who have no money.”
Another semi-diverse opinion comes from Sambrano again, who stated, “I feel like First Friday is catered to both kids and adults, but at the same time I feel like it’s more for adults, because there’s more partying and drinking, which is not suitable for kids.”
As mentioned earlier, First Fridays are held between the months of February and November. Obviously, there are major weather changes over the months, but do Osbourn students feel like the weather has an impact on their timeless fun? Which months do students think serve as the best for First Friday? Nicole Kant stated, “May is the best month to go to a First Friday, because it’s not too hot and not too cold. In my opinion, the worst month for the event would have to be February, because it’s like an awkward stage, as spring and winter kind of start to mix.” A different voice comes from Maddie Hartsell, who said, “The best months have to be June or July, because it’s warm and a lot more people are going to be out. August is my second choice for the best month.”
Overall, First Friday is an experience like no other that Manassas offers us! Do you ever attend First Friday?
