PHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 Organizers are scaling back one of the Valley\u2019s biggest monthly events as they \u201creevaluate\u201d its future.<\/p>\n
Phoenix First Friday will no longer include the ARTS Market street closure and vendor setup on Roosevelt Street for the foreseeable future. Those features have long been among the event\u2019s most recognizable draws.<\/p>\n
Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation and Downtown Phoenix Inc. said the decision came after discussions with neighbors, stakeholders and City of Phoenix partners.<\/p>\n
In a joint statement, the groups said the Roosevelt Street portion of the event needs to be reevaluated following recent violence in or near the ARTS Market area.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also understand that the current iteration of the Roosevelt Street experience on Phoenix First Friday does not serve artists, nor does it benefit the small businesses that rely on our collective leadership to guide the evolving neighborhood in ways that generate safe and memorable experiences for visitors and residents,\u201d the organizers said.<\/p>\n
Over the next several months, organizers plan to \u201crefocus and recalibrate\u201d Roosevelt Row\u2019s role in Phoenix First Friday.<\/p>\n
Despite the change, Roosevelt Row\u2019s small businesses, galleries, and arts and culture organizations will remain open and active during First Friday events. <\/p>\n
Organizers are encouraging the public to continue supporting those businesses and other First Friday events happening across Phoenix during the transition.<\/p>\n
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