By Lindsay Seagraves/News Editor

Small-town locals often use the expression, “there’s nothing to do” when the weekend rolls around, feeling they have to travel to larger cities to find entertainment. 

Except Gadsden residents, who will find their entertainment cup overflowing for the month of July because downtown is hosting a plethora of events.

“People don’t know what all we have going on downtown,” said Downtown Gadsden Incorporated Director Kay Moore. “There’s something to do just about every day of the week.” 

DGI seeks to promote downtown Gadsden, and merchants say they’ve seen an influx of travelers and residents alike lately.

Downtown events for July include July 4’s First Friday, an event that might just prove the patriotic holiday doesn’t require a trip to the beach.

First Friday will also feature a don’t-want-to-miss firework show at 9 p.m. presented by Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association. The Etowah Youth Orchestra will follow the fireworks at the Amphitheater, as it presents “Coosa River Diary.”

As July is also Independent Retailer Month, downtown merchants will have extended hours during the event. Food vendors will line the 400 block of Broad Street and downtown restaurants will also offer specials.

Music will line each corner of downtown during First Friday and continues on Saturdays at the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts. 

Each Thursday in July, downtown merchants will feature “Gallery Hop”, where they will display local artists in their stores. Merchants encourage residents and travelers to come in and enjoy the art. July’s Thursday will feature music by Charlie and the Foxtrots.

Other events in July include the Charity Pig Roast on July 14, Rock the River on July 18, Musical Mondays at the water wall, and various exhibits at the Hardin Center.

Events throughout the summer can be found at gadsdenevents.com, where entertainment seekers will find they’re gas tanks full and calendars jam-packed.