Downtown will gain a new monthly event beginning in October when “Community First Saturdays” debuts along the Northbank Riverwalk.
The debut is scheduled Oct. 6 and will be the first installment of a three-year commitment to Downtown, said Community First Credit Union President and CEO John Hirabayashi.
The series is a partnership with JAX Chamber.
“At Community First, we strive to improve the quality of life where we live, work and play and we are excited to partner with the chamber on an event that promotes both Downtown and a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Hirabayashi said Community First opened in 1935 and is Downtown’s oldest continuously operating financial institution. It employs 200 people.
Activities will include yoga, tai chi, fitness classes and bicycle tours of Downtown’s public art, said Tony Allegretti, director of Downtown Engagement for the chamber.
He said most facets of the 9 a.m.-5 p.m. monthly event will be free of charge, including Skyway service provided by JTA, which will allow participants easy access to other Downtown destinations such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Main Library and the Museum of Science & History on the Southbank.
“Like First Wednesday Art Walk, this event really reaches out into the community,” Allegretti said.
Chamber President Wally Lee said “Community First Saturdays” supports one of the key components of Downtown development identified by the chamber – bringing more events and festivals to the neighborhood.
Before the announcement, Lee described the event as “the icing on the cake” and said he expects thousands of people will visit Downtown to participate.
He said the series will be suspended in July, August and September.
“Even the (Jacksonville) Chamber of Commerce doesn’t have the power to roll back the temperatures,” said Lee.
“This is what progress looks like. These are generous, civic-minded people stepping forward. The goal is to bring people together to explore and enjoy Downtown,” said Mayor Alvin Brown.
More information about the event is available on Facebook at facebook.com/CommunityFirstSaturdays and Twitter @Community1stSaturday.
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