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First Friday York in August is a chance to cool off


Cool off at August's First Friday York, where a Royal Square parking lot will be turned into a splash zone and dozens of vendors will feature outdoor displays in front of their shops. First Friday festivities will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 7 at about 50 participating businesses with a sidewalk sale theme.

Be sure to check out these five can't miss events for First Friday, plus a few best bets.

1. Splash zone next to DiDi & Smiling John's Barber Shop

Bring your kids and competitive spirit to Royal Square, as the parking lot next to the barber shop will feature a water balloon toss, capture the flag and water balloon dodgeball. Take a break from the water battles at the Landshark "Parent's Lounge." Presented by Brewery Products, the lounge gives adults the chance to hang in the shade and enjoy a Landshark while the kids play.

2. Karaoke at Studio 117

Studio 117 will host free karaoke provided by DJ Karaoke Kid and free beer sampling provided by The Beer Ace. You can purchase your karaoke track professionally recorded at Studio 117 as a souvenir. The 117 S. Duke St. studio will have refreshments and snacks for the kids as well. And watch out, as the studio will also be participating in the Royal Square Water Wars from 7 to 9.

3. i-ron-ic's hidden Stair Case Gallery

The gallery will show animated art by Michael Nevin Walker. Participants are encouraged to visit the 256 W. Philadelphia St. shop to get a map of the hidden gallery.

4. Photo exhibit at CoWork155

The 155 W. Market St. location will exhibit photos from Kable House Presents, which will take a look back at the first year of the independent concert series that launched out of CoWork155. The concert series began in September 2014 and included 16 concerts featuring national touring acts. The images by KHP house photographer Dave Wagenknecht reflect favorite moments of the acts that played in York's Central Market House.

5. Corn hole tournament on Continental Square

Sponsored by Northwestern Mutual, the corn hole tournament will begin at 3 p.m. Tournament proceeds will benefit two organizations. The tournament winner will select a charity of their choice to receive a $500 donation on their behalf. All remaining proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of York and Adams Counties to help purchase back-to-school supplies for local students. Contact tournament director Philip Woods at 717-781-8122 to sign up.

First Friday best bets:

WellSpan Health: A Safe Kids Coordinator will offer free summer supply kits along North Beaver Street.

Nuts About Granola: Torchbearer Sauces demo from 6 to 8 at 46 W. Philadelphia St.

Heidelberg United Church of Christ: Live music, coffee, snacks and free WiFi at 47 W. Philadelphia St.

CrossFit York: Free workout from 6:30 to 7:30. Sign up for an introductory package with one month of unlimited instruction and get $25 off at 147 W. Philadelphia St.

Beaver Street sidewalk sale: The first block of North Beaver Street will feature merchants Arthur & Daughters, Kimmans, Sweet Melissa's Dream, The Watchmaker's Daughter and more.