News Release

WABASH — Community members and visitors alike are invited to celebrate the blooming of spring in Wabash during May First Friday: Bike & Bloom. Imagine downtown overflowing with vibrant bouquets of flowers, community biking festivities, local shopping & dining and numerous outdoor recreational activities to enjoy. From a bright bouquet bar to a family bike ride, and everything in between, this First Friday will be one to remember.

Wooden Ivy Boutique & Floral will be featuring a charming bouquet bar in celebration of the blooming of spring. Located along the sidewalk outside of Wooden Ivy Boutique & Floral, the bouquet bar will offer customizable arrangements. Visitors won’t want to leave downtown without a bouquet in-hand.

In collaboration with Visit Wabash County and Liking for Biking, May First Friday will feature ‘Pedal at Paradise’, a community bike ride for all to enjoy, from 5-7:30 p.m. The bike route will begin at Paradise Spring Park, with stops at Alley Cat Outfitters and White Rock Recreation. Helmets are required for those participating. Bikes and helmets will not be provided, so visitors are encouraged to load up their personal bikes and helmets before heading downtown.

Each stop along the bike route will offer fun activities to participate in, and visitors are encouraged to shop local along the way. Paradise Spring Park will feature bike license plate crafts at the Story Walk hosted by Wabash Carnegie Public Library. Alley Cat Outfitters will be handing out popsicles and will have a friendly Maine Coon on site for people to meet. White Rock Recreation will feature a bike trail ring toss with the chance to win prizes. Those not participating in the bike ride are invited to board Trolley No.85 and cruise to each stop in style.

Whether completing the ‘Pedal at Paradise’ bike ride, or cruising aboard Trolley No.85, First Friday goers can complete a stamping map by visiting each bike route stop. Once finished, visitors can turn their completed stamping map into the Downtown Wabash, Inc. office at 189 S. Miami St. to enter for a chance to win locally curated prizes.

Trolley No.85 will run a free route through the Downtown Wabash district for safe transportation and easy access to additional parking for the event. Trolley No.85 will have stops at Paradise Spring Park, Alley Cat Outfitters, White Rock Recreation, The Depot (Canal St.) and Eagles Theatre.

Additionally, May First Friday will welcome the premiere of Food Truck Plaza located at Veterans Plaza. The vision behind Food Truck Plaza is to provide a designated space for visitors to effortlessly access a diverse array of food offerings for the whole family to enjoy amidst a lively outdoor atmosphere. The plaza will include picnic tables generously donated by the Wabash Parks Department, allowing families to enjoy their meal in a safe and comfortable space. During May First Friday, Food Truck Plaza will feature Emmett’s Paddy Wagon, Fairfax Coffee Company, Carol Sue’s BBQ, JB’s Cuisine Machine, Payne’s Fish & Chips, The Franklin Mobile Bar, Amor Colombian Food, Amazn Azn and Nick’s Dog Cart.

Wabash First Fridays in 2024 are presented by MetalX. Additional support for Wabash First Fridays come from Top Level Sponsors: Pettit Printing and 95.9 KISS FM.

For more information on Downtown Wabash First Fridays, visit DowntownWabash.org or follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/wabashfirstfriday and Instagram at Instagram.com/wabashfirstfriday.