Celebrate First Friday in downtown Canton this October

Once upon a time, in a land once known only for football and gangsters, there lived a mindful maiden who thought that she could bring cheer and good fortune to all who walked into her kingdom (about 4 city blocks) on one magical night per month.

And, with a wave of her wand (and a few purposeful taps on her I-Phone), First Friday again materializes, amid the rain, wind and mortals in search of free family fun on Friday, October 5 in the downtown Canton Arts District. If it were only that easy.

But, that’s another story. The one this month concerns all kinds of characters, some costumed and some not, bopping around with free hugs and free treats and telling a tale of new art, great music, never before seen films and indoor surprises like the Buy Art/Get Cash promotions at all galleries and studios.

Players Guild Theatre will debut a new ticket booth by bringing Belle, Ariel, Alice, Winnie and a big white rabbit to set the stage, inviting kids to also stop by the First Friday tent to pick up their make-your-own storybook. Lynda Tuttle’s Art Center continues the creativity with the Paint the Parks exhibit while BZTAT prowls inside 2nd April with her The Mystery of Cats show. Across the street, Translations Gallery on Cleveland Avenue, unveils Then and Now; while next door, Kevin Anderson works his magic with a hammer and nails.

Artwork by Carol Mendenhall will be a Julz, while artist Nancy Malacaria will have her work featured at Gasser’s. And another gem, Dominica Sanchez will have her small work on display and for sale at Elemental Arts. The newest space, Gallery 600 will open your eyes to pin-up art and a poster contest, set to the sounds of Dolly Rocker Ragdoll and an acoustic blues jam session. MOLA Gallery will host the Malone University Art Exhibit, and Mariah will be offering free belly dance lessons at her studio open house.

The Canton FilmFest begins its weekend roll at 5:30 p.m. at the Canton Palace Theatre, where the free movie, Ramona & Beezus begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A with screenwriter Nick Pustay. Across Market Avenue, the Motter & Meadows lot will raise the roof with a gospel explosion, including BJ Evans and the Body of Christ Singers, 3:16 Dance and Flag Team; and Roz Pratt.

Buzzbin turns up the volume with locals BRAIN (Massillon) and The Ohio Weather Band (Alliance) plus Molehill from Chi-town, Agent Ribbons from Texas and late night headliner Molly Gene from Missouri. Elec Simon returns to Courthouse Plaza for the drum circle, Lare Sattler offers free cookies and delicious melodies at Subway, and Take 3 doo-wops to your delight at Arcadia Grille.

Get all the magical details for this Once Upon A Time evening ---October 5, First Friday at www.cantonfirstfriday.com. First Friday is sponsored by Stark Community Foundation and presented by the downtown Canton Special improvement District and ArtsinStark.