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Come Early and Stay Late; First Fridays Begins at 4pm on May 3
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 Join us on May 3 as we kick off our Spring First Fridays! Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or stroll throughout downtown and discover great shopping, free museum exploration, art exhibits, dining and live music planned for First Fridays!
Enjoy outdoor music at three locations from 6-9:00pm as you wander the historic streets of downtown Racine! Start your adventure at the west end of Sixth Street and check out the new music venue at Paul Harris Plaza as you treat yourself to the dynamic, engaging acoustic folk rock of Matthew Haeffel. Explore the treasures on Sixth Street as you make your way to Monument Square and sounds of The Sentinels. Wander north on Main Street and you can't miss old time blues man Paul Kaye at Crosswalk Park. Get an early start as you will want to pop in and out of all the shops, museums and galleries along the way!
Join your family and friends as you shop, dine and discover the fun during First Fridays! Downtown Racine has been a shopping destination since 1860...come see why!
More than 50 merchants collaborate to bring you this afternoon and evening of fun. Here is a highlight of specials for May 3:
Artists Gallery, 401 Main Street - Spring Show! Artists Gallery has captured some spring and brought it into their gallery. See artists view of spring including some outdoor sculpture and spring themed art. Enjoy refreshments starting at 6:00pm. The gallery will be open from 11:00am to 9:00pm.
Humble Home, 407 Main Street - May is full of special occasions...Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo, National Bike Month, National Photo month, Teacher Appreciation Day, Bird Day, Iris Day and Memorial Day, just to name a few! Humble Home has items for all occasions and great indoor and outdoor decor in time for summer! Select items will be 10-50% for First Fridays and goodies will be served up from 4-9:00pm.
Enter for a chance to win a Nano Bug Habitat Set at Dover Flag & Map, 323 Main Street. One lucky person will walk away with their own 52 piece Elevation Habitat Race Set. Nano Bug races will be held during the evening, with laughter and cheering galore. Bring your friends and challenge them to an exciting race. Receive a 20% discount off your entire purchase when you say the secret word for May - "Saskatoon". Win a prize if you can show us on a map where it is!
Copacetic, 409 Main Street, is having a drawing for a pair of Smartwool socks. Stop in to register and shop the store for you favorite Life is good t-shirt, Smartwool socks or your next hat or cap. They will assist you in getting a style that fits you best.
Enjoy free admission to the Racine Art Museum, 441 Main Street, and extended hours from 10:00am until 9:00pm. Stop in at RAM to create Black & White & Shades of Gray artwork inspired by RAM's exhibitions from 4-8:00pm. Visit RAM's newest show Twenty-First Century Heirlooms, which features work that expands and challenges what we value today and why.
Visit Anything's Possible, 237 Main Street, for an indoor sidewalk sale! They will have paperbacks for $1 and hard covers for only $2! Other fun items will be available at great bargain prices- come check it out and have a poem written just for you; refreshments and music will top off the night.
HOPES Center, 507 Sixth Street, and the Women's Resource Center will team up to bring you "Gotta Laugh to Keep From Crying", a comedy show to help build awareness about domestic violence. The program begins at 6:00pm. Cup of Hope will feature "Laugh a Latte" at 50 cents off the regular price. There will be new sale, spring and Mothers' Day items featured in Just Trade. Join them for a laugh and some great camaraderie.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a couple days early! Stop into Plumb Gold Ltd., 322 Main Street, for a free "margarita" (jelly bean) and shop our NEW SPRING SELECTIONS. 15% OFF STOREWIDE!! (excluding designs by Judy K. Olsen)"
Uncorkt, 240 Main Street, treats you to no corking fees on bottles enjoyed in store 4-9:00pm, and Complimentary Wine Tasting from 6-8:00pm.
The Pink Magnolia Restaurant, 240B Main Street, hosts Karaoke and Blues performed by Julian Mireles and Danny Ricchio from 8:00pm until midnight. Buy One Get One Sangria and free bruschetta with any two entrees (one offer per table).
Check out Hawaiian Dance demonstrations from 4-8:00pm outside Vitality Wellness Spa, 422 B Main Street! Aloha!
Northern Lights Gallery, 423 Main Street, you will enjoy the talented guitar player and singe, Marco Jaimez. While at the Gallery be sure to check out all the new products ordered this past January and February during their winter travels concentrating on "Made In America". Visit NLG on Facebook and be sure to "like" NLG and receive 10% off your next purchase.
Henry & Wanda's 501 Sixth Street, will be featuring Yadda Yadda Band (Pop/Variety) with no cover charge from 8:00pm until midnight.
Roberts Roost, 600 Sixth Street, is offering $4 Apple, Caramel/Apple & Turtle Martini's, Italian beef Sandwiches ,Sloppy Joes, and all the fixings . Come in and sing along with DJ Benny Brewski from 5:00-10:00pm.
The Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery, 231 Main Street, welcomes visitors to join the Ivanhoe staff, in their kilts, and enjoy their Friday Fish Fry!
envi ultra lounge, 316 Main Street, Enjoy a drink on their outdoor, rooftop patio!
Let the gals at Funky Hannah's, 324 Main Street, show you how easy it is to make your own jewelry! Meet artist and author, Anna Elizabeth Draeger, see her amazing bead work and pick up a personalized copy of her latest book Crystal Play! Want to get started on your own creative adventure? See how easy it is to make your own earrings with the amazing array of beads in our shop! They will be giving demonstrations are from 4-9:00pm. See the latest in class offerings through June!
Art Metals Studio, 332 Main Street, will be featuring their own designs in silver and gold with colored gemstones, a birthstone sale, 20% off in stock jewelry with birthstone purchase. Stop in for the details and refreshments, or visit their website at www.artmetalsstudio.com.
Hot Shop Glass, 239 Wisconsin Avenue, welcomes First Friday visitors to the studio to watch their artists' glass blowing demonstrations from 5-8:30pm. See molten glass become art right before your eyes! Shop their gallery of local glass artists creations or pick up a gift certificate for one of their fun workshops - a great Mother's Day gift!
McAuliffe's on the Square, 213 Sixth Street, will be featuring live Celtic music with the group Tallymore, starting at 9:00pm.
Photographic Design Studio and Gallery, 411 Sixth Street, will be featuring guest artist, Marj Lacock, work of pearlescent watercolor on canvas embellished with text, beads and gold leaf. Photographic Design Studio and Gallery will be open from noon until 9:00pm on First Fridays with an opening reception from 5-9:00pm.
First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Avenue, Come and celebrate this Spring Exhibit with First Presbyterian Church. They are hosting a First Fridays Reception on Friday, May 3 from 5:30-8:00pm. Everyone is invited to attend! First Presbyterian Church is located at 716 College Avenue, please enter from 8th Street and College Avenue to the lot behind the church. For additional information, contact Julie at the church at 262-632-1686.
Spend an evening with friends and family enjoying downtown....the BEST of Racine. Visit the First Fridays website at www.firstfridaysracine.com for information about the latest happenings, in store specials and links to your favorite spots downtown. Mark your calendar for every First Fridays through December!
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News from Downtown Racine
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New parking options come to Downtown Racine for a test drive!During a trip to Traverse, Michigan, Downtown Racine Corporation Executive Director, Devin Sutherland, took notice of the downtown Traverse parking meters. Traverse has a downtown very much like downtown Racine and everything is metered. Certain meters in Traverse's downtown area provide free parking for a short amount of time allowing patrons to quickly run into a business. Patrons press a button on the meter and are given free parking time. After returning from Traverse, and putting some thought into parking and meters in downtown, Devin Sutherland decided DRC would approach the City of Racine about making a few parking changes. Most parking complaints come from parkers who are running in to get a cup of coffee, picking up flowers, dropping off a prescription, or forgetting to bring change for a quick trip to downtown. DRC and the City of Racine explored parking options and decided the project would be a great idea to test out in downtown. Nine meters have been strategically placed throughout the downtown area. Each meter is equipped with a button that will allow parkers 5 minutes of FREE parking. The intent is to provide a courtesy for those making very brief stops or to provide time for parkers to get change they may need for a meter. Free parking meters can be found at the following locations: 240 Main Street near Uncorkt! 245 Main Street near Divino Gelato Café Third Street north side of Martinizing Dry Cleaners 327 Main Street Sam Johnson Parkway near Red Onion Café Sixth Street near Millers Flowers Wisconsin Avenue near Lakeview Pharmacy Sixth Street near Cup of Hope and Flowers by Walter/Tina's Dress Boutique Sixth Street near Sanders Paint Downtown Racine Corporation is excited to have brought free parking into downtown to allow our merchant customers more convenience.
Downtown Racine's Summer Block Buster 
Downtown Racine's Summer Block Buster is in production! Summer Block Buster will feature 40 beautiful designs and will be displayed beginning June 3 throughout Downtown Racine.
The Downtown Racine Corporation has continued to successfully build on the Public Art project in our community for more consecutive years than any other city in the country.
The Downtown Racine Corporation is still in need of sponsors for the sculptures. The cost to be a sponsor is just $375. If you are interested in sponsoring a unique, one-of-a-kind sculpture, please call Terry at the DRC office at 262-634-6002.
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Things To Do In Downtown Racine
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First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Avenue
Racine Public Library
May 2 -- "De-Clutter Today for a Carefree Tomorrow", 6:00pm
The Clutter Coach, Kathi Miller, combines her background in education and business to help her clients achieve a clutter-free life. Clutter can affect you at home and in the workplace. Discover how de-cluttering can improve your life! Gain a new perspective on your belongings and learn how to re-evaluate them. Reservations are required, call 262-636-9217.
Congratulations to the thirteenth annual "Battle of the Books" champions! This year's two co-champion teams are from The Prairie School. They are The Awesome Prairie Unicorns - Erik Westman, Gina Lazarevic, Kethan Bajaj, and Grace Semrau and The Golden Readers - Jack Millin, Audrey Braun, Helena Frazier, and Jackson Woodward. Five other teams completed the Winners' Circle - congratulations to all!
Fired Up! Racine
Springtime painting, food, and wine night - Wednesday, May 29
Fired Up! Racine, Uncorkt, and Tastefully Simple are teaming up again for another night out in Downtown Racine. Join them on May 29 from 6:30-8:30pm upstairs at Uncorkt for this fun event. Taste six wines from Uncorkt and sample goodies from Tastefully Simple while painting a colorful votive perfect for in your house or out on the porch. We provide all the supplies and instruction you need to relax and create your one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Cost is $35.00 and reservations are required, so round up your friends and call Fired Up at 262-619-9234.
Summer Camp 2013
Check out our fun and creative summer camp offerings for 2013:
For the Birds! (2 day camp from 9-11:00am) - July 10 & 11 or July 31 & August 1
In this cool camp, campers will design and paint their own bird feeder out of a plate and bowl. Then customize their feeder with a cute little bug that attaches to the plate. We assemble the whole thing with hardware ready to hang in your yard and attract your feathered friends. Cost is $65.00.
Whoo's habitat is that? (2 day camp from 9-11 am) - July 17 & 18 or Aug. 7 & 8
In this fun camp, campers will paint a cute 5" high owl and then create a great forest habitat out of three 6" tiles plus a sun/moon add-on. The tiles are then attached to a wood base perfect for your dresser or tabletop. Your friends will all ask " Whooo made that?" Cost is $65.00.
Character Camp! (1 day camp from 9-11:00am) - June 26 or July 24
Bring in a picture of your favorite character for this creative camp and we will help you design and paint your ideas on your choice of an 11" dinner plate or 16 oz. mug. Eat and drink from our colorful creation for years to come. Cost is $25.00.
Reservations are required and camp size is limited so call now to reserve your spot. Choral Arts Society
The Choral Arts Society of SE Wisconsin will feature guest artist Zachary Scot Johnson in Choral Acoustic Fusion on Friday, May 17 at 7:00pm at the Doric Hall, Racine Masonic Center, 1012 Main Street, Racine, WI. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors, $5 students and are available at Personal Touch Florists located at 4060 N. Main Street, 5445 Spring Street, online at www.choralartsonline.org and at the door. Contact the CAS by e-mail at admin@choralartsonline.org or call 262-634-3250.
"Paint the Town Purple"
Relay for Life organizers are looking to "Paint the Town Purple" on May 1, in support of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, and to raise awareness of the Relay for Life event taking place in June. Downtown businesses looking to participate are asked to contact Sheila Lietzke at 262-681-1379. A $25 donation is suggested for participation.
Relay for Life of Racine is an overnight event that begins at 6:00pm on June 7, at the Racine Zoo, 2131 N. Main Street. Activities include a 6:00pm opening ceremony at the Racine Zoo, a Survivors Lap at 6:30pm, Caregivers Lap immediately following, and at 9:00pm a Luminaria Ceremony.
More information about Relay for Life of Racine is available at www.relayforlife.org/racineWI or by calling Vicki Siefert at 262-634-4154.
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Special Offers From Downtown Merchants
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Copacetic Offers Mother's Day Hats and More
Go to Copacetic, 409 Main Street, to get a fancy brimmed hat! You can wear it next Saturday to the Kentucky Derby Gala then wear it again on Mother's Day or at this summer's outdoor wedding.
Art Metals Studio
Join the Art Metals team, Thursday, April 25, 6:00-7:15pm for our Exploring Gemstone Series featuring April's Birthstone, Diamond! Our in-store informational workshop explores the amazing world of diamonds. Stop in and see their stunning collection of diamonds and colored gemstones. Come gain some knowledge, enjoy refreshments and conversation. Register to win a beautiful Art Metals Studio diamond pendant! Limited seating available. Our staff is taking reservations! RSVP 262-633-0545.
YogaRootsRacine 
Spring is here! As you get ready for a season of increased activity, ground yourself in a yoga practice-calm the mind, strengthen the body and breath more deeply. All Wednesday classes are $5 through the month of April at YogaRootsRacine. Yoga for Every BODY!
DRC Members-show your card and get a $10 drop-in on any class during the week. (Pilates, Tai Chi & Yoga) Schedule found at www.yogarootsracine.com.
Anything's Possible
Anything's Possible is all about bettering the earth and your health -- so women perk up! On Tuesday, April 30 from 6-8:00pm, Anything's Possible is hosting a free bra fitting. Find out if you are one of the 85% of women who are wearing the wrong size bra. The right bra can make you look thinner and give you better back health. Enjoy some refreshments, privacy, and have some fun. RSVP @ 262-456-1288.
Northern Lights Gallery Specials Under $10
Fashion watches originally priced at $12.95 are now $9.95 (limited special through April 30). Winter Scarf Clearance, scarves originally $12.95, are now $6 or two for $10 (limited special through April 30). And don't forget about the ongoing special on Pilgrim Studs - $8.95 each or purchase two and receive the third pair at 50% off. All earrings are nickel free. Create your own interchangeable Houdenie Bracelet! $5 each for starter, crystal or chains.
Downtown Coupon Books on Sale 
The new 2013 Downtown Coupon Books will soon be on sale! The coupon book is bursting with great values all over Downtown Racine with coupons from over 50 Downtown merchants. Books are $10 each and are available at the Downtown Racine Corporation Office and Dover Flag and Map.
New this year - stores will donate half of the profits from the books to local charities and non-profit organizations of their choice. For every $10 book sold, $5 goes to the charity of choice. Please help support Downtown Racine and local charitable organizations.
Do you know of a non-profit organization looking for ways to make money? Individuals, non-profits, school groups, sports groups or any other organization interested in fundraising can contact Jo Labre at Dover Flag at 262-632-3133. Large quantities of the coupon books can be purchased for $5 each and sold at $10 each for a profit which fundraising groups then keep for themselves.
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Entertainment and Live Music in Downtown Racine
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Henry & Wanda's, 501 6th Street
April 26 - Judd & the Grovetet (Blues)
April 27 - Twang Dragons (Current & Country)
May 3 - Yadda Yadda Band (Pop Hits)
May 4 - Another Beginning Band (R&B Dance)
May 10 - DuoSonic (Variety Dance)
May 11 - Night Wing Band (Pop/Variety)
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| Downtown Racine Is Social! | | Downtown Racine Corporation is on Facebook, the world's largest social network with over 300 million users. We invite you to "Like Us On Facebook". We are giving away a Big Chill t-shirt to our 2,013 Facebook "like"! Join in the fun and "Like" us for a chance to win a t-shirt and keep up-to-date on all the Downtown Racine news!
Tweet Us!  | | @racinedowntown |
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