Issue date: 6/4/09 Section: News

Media Credit: J.D. Swiger Twist the horse leads riders on an interactive and historical tour of Downtown Bryan as part of First Friday. [Click to enlarge]

First Friday has done a lot to improve the area of downtown Bryan, said the Downtown Bryan Environmental Development Association executive director.

"It's got something for all ages and tastes," said Downtown Bryan Environmental Development Association executive director Cindy Peaslee. "It's brought in thousands of people. It's great in terms of economic development and bringing new faces in town."

First Friday in downtown Bryan is a monthly tradition going on its fourth year. It begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m., the First Friday of every month.

First Friday activities include live music, artist demonstrations and happy hours. Some shops that don't usually stay open late are open later for First Fridays.

Also, carriage rides organized through Hidden Oasis Ranch depart from the courtyard of the LaSalle Hotel located at 120 S. Main Street in Downtown Bryan. The carriage rides include a historical fixed-route tour of downtown Bryan.

"First Friday started in July '05 and the carriage rides started within the first six months," Watkins said.

Locations visited in the tour include the LaSalle Hotel, the Carnegie Library, the former Hotel Charles, the Astin Building, the Varisco Building (the old J.C. Penny's), the former Woolworth Building and the former First State Bank building.

"It's a very interactive tour that we give," said Hidden Oasis Ranch owner and carriage driver Alexi Person. "When we do the rides we point out all the historic buildings and give facts. For example, the first night depository is in the bank."

Twist, the horse that pulls the carriage, is very friendly, said Person.

"He is the largest horse in Brazos County. He is a Percheron draft horse and he weighs 2,000 pounds," Person said. "He's like a big giant puppy dog. He loves everybody."

However, after June 5, Twist will take an extended leave of absence.

"[Twist] is a Percheron. He gets too warm in the summer," said First Friday founder and Frame Gallery owner Greta Watkins.

The Percheron horse is similar to the Clydesdale; taking a summer break is normal, Watkins said.

"Twist takes off every summer, and he will resume in the fall," said Watkins.

Hidden Oasis Ranch also provides carriage services for special events, such as weddings. Twist will continue to participate in these activities during the summer.

"[Special events are] usually just an hour long so it's not too hard," Person said.

First Friday is an event that is essential to Brazos County, Person said.

"Bryan/College Station as a whole tends to be pretty non-cultural so these events give a sense of artsy culture," Person said.

Now is the best time to come to First Friday, Person said.

"There's a lot more live music and artwork on display. It's like First Friday on steroids," Person said.

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