The Brown & White

Already tired of the Lehigh scene of loud parties, plastic cups and cheap beer?

Bethlehem's First Friday, held the First Friday of every month, could offer an alternative. It runs tonight in South Side Bethlehem.

The free event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. throughout most of the South Side's shops and features art exhibits, in-store specials, entertainment, refreshments, and at The Banana Factory, there's even free cheese.

Today's First Friday will feature the opening reception of an art exhibit for one of the most famous American photographers of the 20th Century, Walker Evans.

The featured photographs were part of the New Deal programs of the Roosevelt Administration in the 1930s, which were taken to build morale during the Great Depression. The opening of his exhibit will be held tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. in Time Zones Global Goodies & Framing Gallery.

Other events tonight will include a BMX bike stunt and demonstration show, a tattoo show, a walking tour of the South Side, an art exhibit featuring the work of local artist Connie Gilbert and performances by the musical duo Sal Ritz and Joe Mixon and Nick and Chick.

Katie Lynch, Downtown Bethlehem Manager at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce said First Friday tradition gives area residents a chance to connect with the community.

"The reason that we have First Friday is to bring people to the South Side of Bethlehem to enjoy all of the great galleries and shops through different themed events every month," Lynch said.

Kimberley Carrell-Smith, Lehigh history professor and board member of the South Bethlehem Historical Society, which sponsored the Evans photogallery, said that they were excited to be featuring such a famous photographer.

First Friday is held in outdoor and indoor restaurants and shops. The event is organized and held by the participating members of the Downtown Bethlehem Association in South Side Bethlehem.

For more information, visit lehighlive.com, click on South Side, then First Friday.