Downtown Nacogdoches will be bustling with activity this weekend during the First Friday Cruise Night event, which returns to the “Oldest Town in Texas” this Friday, April 1, 2011. “This weekend’s event is jammed pack with activities, it is a perfect opportunity to get outside downtown and enjoy the beautiful spring weather and the gorgeous flowers downtown, plus there are plenty of other happenings going on” said Main Street Manager Sarah O’Brien.
A 2003 Ferrari Enzo at a previous First Friday Cruise Night.
First Friday Cruise Nights, part of the 2011 Nacogdoches Azalea Trail this month will feature late night shopping from 6 to 8 p.m. at participating downtown merchants. A list of merchants staying open late will be available inside the Visitor’s Center during First Friday Nights. When you pick up the list of merchants at 200 E. Main Street, be sure to visit with our local authors who will be on hand for a book signing. Peggy Jasso and Jan Dobbs Barton will be present to sign copies of their newly released “Nacogdoches in World War II” which is available now at various downtown stores and the Visitor’s Center. “We are so excited to host these two wonderful Nacogdoches writers and historians, we owe them a great deal for their passion and dedication for detailing parts of Texas’ Oldest Town’s history,” said O’Brien.
“The stores shelves are full of wonderful spring items this time of year,” said O’Brien. In addition Classic cars will line the Plaza Principal on Fredonia Street from Main to Pilar beginning at 6 p.m. and will cruise until 8 p.m. The Old Towne General Store will once again be grilling up cuisine on the Plaza Principal, so come hungry and grab a bite to eat as you check out the car show and listen to live music. The highlight of the evening will be live entertainment on the Plaza Principal stage. For over 30 years, saxophonist/guitarist Dan McMahon has been creating Rock, Blues and Jazz music. With the use of computer generated background, Dan has been composing and performing a blend of jazz, blues and original material. From Smooth Jazz to Classics Dan has performed in both large and small venues. Coming from a musical family Dan quickly developed his own style. Over the years he has performed with various rock bands in the Dallas Metro Area, College Lab Bands, multiple festivals, corporate bookings and venues including The Dallas Arboretum as a solo act. Dan has been involved in recording projects from Blues to Gospel. His versatility as both guitarist and saxophonist allows him to perform a wide range of material and styles to fit any occasion. In 2005 Dan relocated in the Nacogdoches area where he has performed at The Blueberry Festival and First Friday Nights associated with Nacogdoches Main Street and other downtown engagements.
Once your done with all of those activities head on over to Hotel Fredonia, 200 N. Fredonia and enjoy more live entertainment on the patio, and grab a bite to eat from J Mckinney’s who will feature some delicious fare on the menu.
If you or anyone you know has any questions concerning First Friday Cruise Nights feel free to contact Sarah O’Brien at 926-559-2573 or send her an email at obriens@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us.
