Greta Watkins, "the mother of First Friday"
As downtown Bryan readies a blend of in-person and virtual shopping, dining, and entertainment for the community to enjoy during the Sept. 4 First Friday, longtime business owner Greta Watkins notes this month will be bittersweet given her recent decision to retire. Watkins says she will soon pass the torch for both her artist haven, The Frame Gallery, and the event for which she’s long been known as “the mother of First Friday.”
Watkins said she founded downtown Bryan’s First Fridays in 2005 as a way to bring more customers to her business at a time the city was investing in new infrastructure for what is now a recognized Arts and Cultural District. First Friday has since grown to an all-day event featuring shopping with locally owned businesses, getting to know local restaurateurs, and featuring local artists and musicians. Despite COVID-19, residents and visitors can enjoy the day with a mix of in-person activities, such as a Farmer’s Market, and virtual concerts, tours, and more, according to the Downtown Bryan Association’s website.
From the beginning, community has remained one of the biggest features of the event, says Watkins, adding she has enjoyed introducing visitors to her store – and all of downtown Bryan culture – throughout the years.
“For 15 years, First Friday has involved all of downtown,” she says. “A big part of what we do on a First Friday is not just show off the individual business that we’re in, but we’re all ambassadors for downtown.”
The event’s direct financial impact on businesses has proven especially important in recent months, according to a new local organization focused on attracting visitors to the area.
“COVID has had more of an impact on travel and tourism than even 9/11 or the 2008 recession,” says John Friebele, executive director of the new Destination Bryan. As a city of Bryan office, Destination Bryan has partnered with DBA to promote the city and First Fridays, Friebele says.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, DBA staff decided to shift First Friday online rather than cancel, says Katelyn Brown, interim executive director of DBA.
“Our job with First Friday is to take the aspects of First Fridays that make it the event that it is — the arts, the music, the supporting the businesses — and figure out ways for people to experience First Fridays at home and in person, as well,” she explains.
This month, the all-day event will feature concerts from local musicians Joey McGee and Magic Girl through Facebook Live and www.DowntownBryan.com, as well as opportunities to shop at stores in person or online, says Brown. Businesses will be open late and local vendors with the Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market will be set up, she adds.
Watkins says she hopes everyone can experience the event and notes that she has enjoyed the opportunity First Fridays have presented through the years to stay connected with her regular customers and connect art enthusiasts with local artists.
“I’ll really miss the people,” she says, adding that future First Fridays at The Frame Gallery will be in good hands with new owner Missy Barron.
For more information about First Friday and other downtown Bryan events, visit www.DowntownBryan.com.
