08/05/2026
To everyone who was planning to visit us during First Friday on August 7, thank you for your support. After careful consideration and discussion with our clients who were scheduled to participate, we all have decided to withdraw from the event. We wanted to share why, because we believe it's an important conversation for our downtown small business community.
Many of the makers, chefs, and small businesses that participate in events at SAAGE prepare specifically for First Friday. So, unlike established restaurants with regular daily inventory, many of our clients purchase ingredients, prepare food, and invest their time just for popup events like these, expecting visitors during those few hours. Their success depends on people coming through the doors.
However, this month the Stolp Island block party is being held at the same time as First Friday. While we're happy to see more events happening in downtown Aurora, holding major events simultaneously can unintentionally divide visitors. We've actually experienced this before! During a previous First Friday, another outdoor event nearby attracted much of the foot traffic. One of our pop-up vendors had prepared extensively for that evening, but very few visitors made it to support him. For small businesses, even one evening like that can mean a significant financial loss.
Our decision not to participate this month is not meant as criticism of the City of Aurora or the dedicated people who organize these events. We appreciate everything they do to make downtown vibrant. We simply hope that, in the future, major downtown events can be better coordinated so they complement one another instead of competing for the same visitors. When events work together, everyone benefits: the organizers, the businesses, the vendors, and the community.
We look forward to participating in future First Fridays when we can confidently provide our clients with the best opportunity to succeed. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you soon at SAAGE.
