All You Need is Love … & Chocolate! For Feb. First Friday

The community is invited to join chocolate-themed games, tastings, activities, art shows, and more at the “All You Need is Love…& Chocolate!” First Friday event in Downtown Camas on February 7th from 5-8 pm. The evening will also feature a ribbon-cutting for a new business and the launch of a new specialty cocktail and dessert series at an established local roaster. Shoppers can find romantic gifts and assorted sweet treats for the upcoming Valentine’s holiday all throughout town. This delicious fan-favorite event is brought to you by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) and Downtown Camas merchants.

A 5 pm ribbon-cutting will celebrate the grand opening of the family-owned Backpacker Pizza at 421 NE Cedar St. Owners Jami and Rod Harris proudly offer local house-made ingredients and fresh hand-tossed dough. They also have a selection of gluten-free and vegan pizza options available.

After the ribbon cutting, attendees are encouraged to check out the new specialty cocktail and dessert series from Hidden River Roasters, 536 NE 5th. This new series, Hidden River After Dark, is planned for upcoming First Fridays from 5 pm-8 pm, with an eye on expanding during the summer months. The evening will feature hand-crafted cocktails, like the classic Espresso Martini and the sweet Raspberry Love, alongside Hidden River’s house-made desserts and pastries. Their full menu of beverages and light fare will also be available.

Treasure seekers and art enthusiasts can look forward to the new Art Hearts Scavenger Hunt activity for First Friday. Search for a little hidden glass heart around downtown (50 in all!), bring the heart back to the DCA tables in Journey Church and receive a certificate for a handcrafted ceramic heart created by Norris Arts and sponsored by a local downtown business. Find a Heart, Get a Heart! (one per person).

Other First Friday activities include:

• Guess the candy jar amounts at each participating location and be entered to win the candy and other great Valentine’s-themed prizes
• Art shows, receptions, and classes, including a special jewelry show at Gallery 408, 408 NE 4th; a gallery reception and classes with fused glass artist Shirley Bishop at RedDoor Gallery, 411 NE Dallas; and “Buzz and Bloom: Art” by Joanne Adams Roth and Cindy Wilson Geffel at the Second Story Gallery, 625 NE 4^th
• Celebrate Love and the 7th anniversary of Nick & Tami Calais, who were married at the Liberty Theatre in Downtown on February First Friday in 2018. Get a selfie with them and receive a ticket to win a special prize.
• Sample Healthy Chocolate from Downtown Camas specialty chocolate maker DownLow Chocolate at Journey, 304 NE 4th, and at Camas Cellars, 602 NE 3rd.
• All ages singer-songwriter open mic at First Friday Unplugged, inside LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch, hosted by Minor Record Label
• Free kids’ activities and crafts hosted by Journey Church and Girl Scout Troop 30376, 304 NE Birch
• Spin the “Name That Candy!” Wheel with the DCA in the Journey lobby. Guess the candy bar featured and get a raffle ticket for a Candy Bar Bouquet.
• Special sales and chocolate treats throughout downtown shops and restaurants

“This First Friday is full of so many sweet activities!” says Brie Marais, Volunteer Coordinator for the DCA. “Between the new Art Hearts Scavenger Hunt activity, the wonderful art shows, the Valentine’s Day shopping and crafts, and all the delicious chocolate, it’s truly an evening full of joy and fun! We’re looking forward to officially welcoming Backpacker Pizza, and we can’t wait to see everyone come together for another First Friday in Downtown Camas!”

Passport & Activity lists are available at the DCA tables in Journey, 304 NE 4th, starting at 5pm.

First Fridays are art, activities, dining, and after-hours shopping-themed family-friendly events coordinated by the DCA each month of the year to support downtown and develop community. For more information, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/all-you-need-is-love-and-chocolate/ or the Downtown Camas First Friday Facebook page. Sign up for the weekly DCA newsletter for more downtown event info at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/peBo4oV