First Friday in Downtown Yuma

YUMA Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A monthly tradition now put on by businesses in downtown yuma, happens every first Friday of the month.

First Friday started four years ago, but after local businesses took a hit during COVID, It’s an important reminder to shop local and support local business owners.

Local shops, restaurants and bars who participate stay open a little later than normal business hours and have specials or discounts to keep customers longer.

Serena Koogle, owner of Rebel and Rove, started First Fridays in Downtown Yuma.

“It was a little slow going in the beginning, but as time grew, so many of our neighbors started joining and it has just really become something exciting that people put on their calendars for a little event to get out with their friends and family,” said Koogle.

There are also pop-up shops along main street to help new local businesses grow.

Ciana Puckett, owner of Lucy Lou and Co, started her business as a hobby last year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So I learned how to sew and then started making dog bandanas for my dog and people were asking if they could buy them, so I upgraded our fabric and decided to give it a shot and start selling them,” said Puckett.

Koogle says that first Fridays also bring more profits to the downtown community.

“You can see the patios are always filled with people enjoying themselves, you run into somebody and oh lets go gab a bite to eat or get a drink or I need to grab an extra little gift for somebody. That’s a great way to bring a little more revenue to the community,” said Koogle.

If you find yourself our and about, be sure to visit downtown yuma and shop local.

Most shops are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.