Businesses opened their doors, artists set up tables, musicians gathered and belly dancers danced in the streets of downtown Florence for First Friday last week.

First Friday takes place on the first Friday of every month starting in March and ending in December. Artists of all types are invited and encouraged to set up on the sidewalks of downtown, where live music can be heard in all directions. People from different businesses also hand out cards and flyers to bring in new customers from all over the Shoals.

Gary Wright, from Snow Masters, produced foamy bubble Jack-O-Lanterns and spiders that floated over the heads of the event goers, while children played in a bounce castle to the music from “The Cadillacs,” an oldies-style band. Jed Perry could be seen dressed as Tony Stark to promote House of Heroes comics.

People dressed in medieval attire, accented with swords and staffs, promoted the arrival of the upcoming Renaissance Faire Oct. 22-23.

“The round table is an all-volunteer group that runs the faire,” said John Givens, one of the members who helped promote the faire. “We have people who really go all out.”

This year will be the event’s 25th anniversary, and people can expect reenactment duels with real weapons and plenty of booths to explore.

First Friday also brings out the philanthropic side of people. Many artists and businesses donated a portion of their earnings to different fundraisers.

Jennifer Burns made stuffed owls, cats and elephants to help her earn money to surprise some local families with children who have Diamond Blackfan Anemia. This illness requires lifelong blood transfusions and steroids until families can find a bone marrow match.

The “Football Nuts” table was run by The Kudzo Queens, a group of women who wore matching green wigs and T-shirts promoting their fundraising for the American Cancer Society. Everything they make goes to the society, according to Jeannie Rhea, a member of the Kudzo Queens.

“The Late Blumers,” a local band, set up outside the doors of Makadoo’s frozen yogurt shop to draw in the customers to support their fundraising for St. Jude’s.

Craft booths make up the majority of First Friday.

Aaron Glass, a local artist and instructor for aMuse, a non-profit organization affiliated with the Kennedy-Douglass volunteers, set up his hand-painted creations on Mobile Street. He also paints projects for “The Grownfolks,” a local band.

UNA is trying to be more involved in First Friday. During Purple Reign Week, Oct. 31-Nov. 4, UNA will encourage complete campus involvement, and the University Program Council will partner with First Friday for the first time, where all departments and students are encouraged to participate. UPC will also host Step Show in Flowers Hall Nov. 1, from 7-10 p.m. All proceeds will go towards the United Way of Northwest Shoals.