Final Fridays and First Fridays Bring New Energy to Downtown Businesses in Franklin and Greenwood
A grassroots effort to promote downtown Greenwood and Franklin has sparked excitement among local businesses and residents alike. With the launch of First Fridays in Franklin and Final Fridays in Greenwood, these monthly events are attracting crowds, boosting local commerce, and transforming both communities’ downtown life.
The idea for these initiatives stemmed from a visit by destination expert Roger Brooks, who was brought in by Festival Country Indiana in 2023. Brooks has helped more than 2,500 communities with initiatives like these.
“He found our downtowns could benefit from three things: having businesses stay open later, having more days of programming like live music, and beautifying the blocks even more," said Ken Kosky, Executive Director of Festival Country Indiana. “Final Fridays and First Fridays could accomplish all three goals at once.”
With funding support from Festival Country Indiana, Discover Downtown Franklin launched First Fridays in spring 2024, followed by Greenwood’s Final Fridays later that summer. Both programs saw immediate success.
"Discover Downtown Franklin did a business owner survey that found 75 percent of businesses agreed it brought more foot traffic to their business, 80.5 percent had a positive experience, and 80.6 percent said they would participate again," Kosky said.
Data from Placer.ai also showed significant increases in visits to both downtowns, with Franklin drawing 9,000 additional visits over eight Fridays and Greenwood bringing in 1,500 over six.
For local businesses, the impact has been promising.
"Final Fridays have had a positive impact by increasing visibility, driving sales, and fostering stronger connections between businesses and the community," said Megan Yeagy, Owner and Operator of Grafton Peek Mercantile, and a representative from Restore Old Town Greenwood.
"While some months have seen higher attendance than others, the overall response from both residents and businesses has been encouraging."
Phil Rodenbeck, Owner of Visitor Watch Co., echoed the sentiment.
"It's not going to change instantly, but it's headed in the right direction," he said. "Businesses can get creative and give residents new reasons to pop in. Visitor, for example, turned one of our showroom walls into a rotating gallery space for local artists."
One particularly memorable moment came during the first Final Friday in Greenwood.
"The excitement was palpable," Yeagy said. "One of the highlights was Chalk The Walk, where families, kids, and artists filled the sidewalks with colorful drawings. Shops and restaurants were bustling, food trucks were serving up delicious bites, and live music created a lively and welcoming atmosphere."
Looking ahead to 2025, Festival Country Indiana is committed to continuing its support.
"Programs like First Fridays and Final Fridays need commitment over the long haul," Kosky said. "We’re also working to bring more art to the downtowns and hopefully create public gathering spaces where people can play corn hole or try curling in the winter."
Meanwhile, organizers in both communities are exploring ways to expand and refine the events.
"Many Greenwood residents still don’t know about Final Fridays or haven’t had the chance to attend," Yeagy said. "Expanding our outreach and marketing efforts will be key in bringing more people downtown."
For now, business owners and community leaders are urging residents to show their support.
"The best way residents can support Final Fridays is simple: show up and support local businesses," Yeagy said. “Even if you can’t make it on a Friday, we encourage everyone to shop, dine, and engage with these small businesses throughout the month.”