Very nice comment (and also helpful), Ms. McClusky. Thanks. GGpap
I had to reread the recent letter to the editor by Mr. Ernie McFerrin ("Downtown atmosphere intimidating," Jan. 13) before I realized that he was serious! It is the complete opposite of my First Friday perceptions.
I am confident that my experience each First Friday is shared by thousands of residents who come downtown to enjoy some of the best free musical groups and artistic endeavors Augusta has to offer.
The December First Friday that Mr. McFerrin described was packed with holiday-related events: the boat parade on the river, carolers strolling along Broad Street in period costumes, storefront windows aglow with colored lights, artists selling their wares, and great music!
Are there isolated incidents that require police intervention? Yes. Police presence is evident and adequate, and their response is rapid. But for Mr. McFerrin to state that things were close to becoming "a mob scene" does a huge disservice to the law enforcement officers who patrol the area and keep it safe. It also misrepresents the overall atmosphere that envelopes downtown Augusta each First Friday.
I often stop at the Greater Augusta Arts Council table to see what arts activities are being offered to area residents. This group sponsors First Friday and books the musical entertainment, assists local artists in sharing their work with the public, and advances all types of arts in the Augusta area. Many, many volunteers with this group are spotted up and down Broad Street (they wear lanyards) and do a good job of patrolling First Friday activities.
I invite Mr. McFerrin and his wife to venture downtown during warmer weather. I suggest that they come earlier (the hours of First Friday are 5:00 -- 10:00) when more families are enjoying the activities. I truly believe they will have a more positive experience!
Molly McCluskey, Aiken, S.C.
Comments
Very nice comment (and also helpful), Ms. McClusky. Thanks. GGpap
I agree with everything Molly says. Too many people get nervous around large crowds but as a former business owner downtown, we welcome any event that brings people downtown.
Good LTE Ms McCluskey. A rarity on this site.
First Friday doesn't have anything on what Buckhead used to be like on a Thursday -Saturday night....APD Zone 2 officers working the streets with a paper thin blue line, usually between 8 to 16 officers, thousands of people in the streets, Peachtree Street at East Paces jammed with cars and ignorant joy riders, drunken brawls everywhere, crimes against property occurring without fear, pedestrian robberies every night, gunshots (rapid gunshots I may add) sporadically throughout the night, under age teens cruising around getting into trouble, overpacked clubs...The Ray Lewis stabbing, the Puffy bodygaurd shoot-out, the Officer Bunn shooting...I was there during those times, I know what a mob looks like...
I agree with the letter writer. First Friday is a great event. Seeing crowds of families on the street reminds me of a typical Friday or Saturday night in the "walkable" cities in the US or Europe. I've been to FF many times and have never felt uncomfortable or threatened. If you stay late, you'll see other things that will remind you of big cities too, like rowdy party goers. Just people having fun. FF is one of Augusta's great events, lots of people go. So if crowds, young people, or seeing the occasional idiot, bothers you stay home.
I hope Mr. McFerrin does not stay away from Wal-Mart because someone cut him off and took his parking spot. I hope he still eats well every day even though he once bit onto a cherry pit. I hope he keeps his job even though he had to hold over once. I hope everyone in Augusta asserts themselves and hangs on to what is important, despite occasional surprise or disappointment. Otherwise you may as well curl up in a ball.
first friday is great....just don't forget to come down on the second or third one either.....downtown is a work in progress.... come check it out for yourself.....
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