August Doin's start doin' Friday on Main Street

Photo by Jim Keyworth
Meet the Pro-Rodeo Jailhouse Gals at Bootleg Alley during First Friday festivities.

Get ready to "lasso in some fun" on Main Street as rodeo season starts in Payson.

On Aug. 6, shops up and down Historic Main St. will remain open from 5-8 p.m. for Payson's award-winning First Friday Art & Antiques Walk.

At this monthly gathering, townsfolk and tourists can become acquainted with local merchants and all of the services and merchandise they offer. If you haven’t had a chance to visit and shop Main Street lately, this is the perfect opportunity to see what all the buzz is about.

There is no other place in Payson, like Main Street…The Heart of Payson. This monthly event starts at Arizona Highway 87 and continues down 1.2 miles of Main Street to Green Valley Park.

First Friday on Main Street will be held RAIN or SHINE and is presented by the Payson Main Street Merchants Guild and the Town of Payson Main Street Program. More information on the fun is available at www.PaysonMainStreet.com.

Re-Runs Resale Boutique celebrates their 2nd birthday, and invites everyone to enjoy birthday cake, ice cream and coffee to celebrate!

MoJoe’s Café will be celebrating their 1st birthday with singer Ann James to set the mood. Come and see what all the hubbub is about with their Dinner Theater every Friday - Andy (Mo) will be happy to give you the scoop.

Artists of the Rim Gallery: Guest artist Sarah Reay McAnerny of Payson will show her representational art, focusing on the landscapes, flora, and peoples of her western heritage. Outside will be a show of children’s art created with recycled materials such as pop cans and buttons from the Sonshine Club of the Payson United Methodist Church along with music and brats for your enjoyment.

The Humane Society of Central Arizona Thrift Shop at 404 West Main Street will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Friday, Aug. 6 and Saturday, Aug. 7. The shop will be open until 8 p.m. on Friday for the First Friday festivities, which start at 5 p.m. Refreshments, and anniversary cake will be served.

Along with the goodies, there will be special sales, and even some staff and customers modeling our thrift shop fashions starting at 6 p.m. Come join us for fun, fashion, and bargains galore!! Thank you for your support in making our shop a success, and for supporting the homeless animals of our community.

Down the Street Art Gallery will be having a luau during the First Friday Block Party on Historic Main Street. They will be introducing their newest artists, Kerry Thompson, who paints in oils; Bob Gleason, endearingly referred to as “Basket Bob,” who will be on hand as well to demonstrate how he weaves his intricate, yet functional baskets; and Amy Anderson, a local professional photographer who does unique portraits, and sees art everywhere thru her camera lens, edited by her unique point of view.

Put on your Hawaiian shirt and join the artists at Down the Street Art Gallery. Sip some tropical punch while viewing art and the demonstrations. Who knows, maybe there will be hula dancing. 703 W. Main Street.

Right in the center of Payson's historic business district where The World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo began is Bootleg Alley Antiques & Art.

Brandon Shepard headlines this month's First Friday event. Brandon will perform the light rock and country music he's famous for in front of the Pro-Rodeo Committee's jail. Be sure to look for the Payson Pro-Rodeo Jail gals who will be selling booster buttons and T-shirts. The jail gals will also pose for pictures.

For $5, Charlie's brats with gourmet trimmings along with a soda and chips can be purchased. These brats are grilled by Master Chef and Gazette Blog columnist Gary Bedsworth with all net proceeds benefiting the Humane Society. Those looking for dessert can purchase ice cream from Scoops and/or See's Chocolates from the Soroptimists.

In addition to great shopping, there's much more happening on Bootleg Alley's porch. Local western artist Conrad Okerwall will be demonstrating his artistic skill and meeting the public. You can check out the slot machine that's being raffled off by the Humane Society. Tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20.

There's something for everyone at this historic building located at 520 W.Main St., Payson's most happenin' little shop.