Gayle Shadrach, left, and Jo Banfill unpack a table runner from India, which is part of an exhibit for York s First Friday. This month s theme is Festival of Cultures. In addition to merchants hosting special events, the Susquehanna Folk Music Society and two local dance clubs will lead a community square dance Friday on the streets of downtown York. (FLIPSIDE -- PAUL KUEHNEL )
Dozens of people will be dancing in the street this Friday, square dancing to be specific. The Susquehanna Folk Music Society along two local dance clubs will be hosting a community square dance as part of York's First Friday events.

This is the second year the folk society will host a public square dance. Last year about hundred people danced on Cherry Lane in York, but now the society is hoping the new location in downtown will draw more participants. A portion of Beaver Street will be shut down for the event between Market and Philadelphia streets.

"We thought we would draw people if we did it on the main street," said Jess Hayden, executive director of the Susquehanna Folk Music Society. "We want it accessible to anyone passing."

The event welcomes dancers of all ages and skill levels. The Contra Rebels, a local dance band, will be playing upbeat and energetic New England, French

Canadian and Celtic tunes for the dancers.

Bob Nicholson, an experienced square dance caller from Syracuse, New York, will be helping people keep up with the movements.

The folk society consists of 400 members, and was recently awarded with grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. Hayden said that the money has helped fund events like craft classes, concerts and the community square dance. She believes folk music and square dancing is important to America's history.

"I think it's communal. You're able to enjoy it with other people," Hayden said. "There is a very long tradition of square dancing in this country."

IF YOU GO

First Friday is a monthly event in downtown York, during which downtown merchants hold extended hours, host special events and offer discounts. This month's theme is "Festival of Cultures." Read more at downtownyorkpa.com/first-Fridays.

Other First Fridays

Lancaster also holds a First Friday event from 5 to 9 p.m. Thousands celebrate the arts in Lancaster every First Friday without exception, and it's the highlight of the month, as noted by Lancaster Arts. For a navigational guide and where you can go for Lancaster's monthly event, visit www.lancasterarts.com.

Over in Chambersburg, as spin-off from A Taste of the Arts, visitors can stroll the streets of downtown Chambersburg the First Friday of every month. Enjoy in-store specials, refreshments, artists, kids activities and musical entertainment from 5 to 8 p.m., with this months theme as "International."