Celebrate red, white and blue a week early on frankfort avenue

                

Discover Louisville’s most extraordinary shopping, dining and entertainment venues along the historic Frankfort Avenue corridor, during the festive all-American F.A.T. Friday “Freedom Hop” on Friday, June 27, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
 
Celebrating the 4th of July holiday a week early, more than 30 participating businesses along the Frankfort, Mellwood and Story Avenue corridor will be embellished with balloons, garland and miniature American flags. As trolley hoppers stroll along the corridor they can also enjoy all-American favorites such as ice cream and popcorn from various street vendors.

 
Many of the participating shops, restaurants and galleries will feature special sales, menus, family fun events, entertainment and exhibits during this year’s Freedom Hop. For example:

• Businesses at the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center, located at 1860 Mellwood Avenue, are offering special prices during a sidewalk sale. Gallery Janjobe, located in the Mellwood Center, will host tai chi and yoga demonstrations from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The Wine Rack, located at 2716 Frankfort Avenue, will sample out American wines from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Live Bluegrass music will be playing from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and cheese samplings from local producers, including Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese & Luna Mercato, will be served from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Pottery Rowe, located at 2048 Frankfort Avenue, will feature Louisville potter Melvin D. Rowe demonstrating Raku Firing, a 16th century Japanese firing technique, at his shop and studio. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., Rowe will be firing two raku kilns at one time, so the activity will be constant.
• Margaret’s Consignment, located at 2700 Frankfort Avenue, is giving a free gift to the first 50 customers starting at 5:00 p.m. and will also offer a 10% discount on cash purchases after 5:00 p.m., live entertainment by Michael Roy and refreshments.
• Rayluma Gallery, located at 2214 Frankfort Avenue, will feature “Capturing Light,” an exhibit that covers a wide spectrum of modern photographic images from nationally renowned and local photographers. 
• Kaviar Forge & Gallery, located at 1718 Frankfort Avenue, will offer wine, cheese, and hors d’oeuvres during the final days of “Free Spirit,” an exhibition of paintings by artist Crystal Carol.

First Capital Bank of Kentucky, located at 2862 Frankfort Avenue, will host a preview showing of the Crescent Hill Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration by hosting many of the exhibiting artists who will be selling their works inside the bank and on the sidewalk.
 
The F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop, on the last Friday of each month, provides FREE parking and transportation to participating shops, restaurants and galleries along the Frankfort, Mellwood and Story Avenue corridor. Trolley hoppers can enjoy a unique shopping experience by visiting the wide variety of independently owned boutiques and shops offering many items visitors won’t likely find elsewhere – from vintage and consignment clothing to outdoor gear, imported crafts, fine art, antiques, home furnishings and accents, wine, books, coffee, and so much more.
                          
Trolley hoppers are also invited to indulge their palate at one of Frankfort Avenue’s locally owned bistros, pubs or cafés. Visitors can choose from Filipino, Irish, Japanese or Mediterranean cuisine, as well as authentic Italian and classic Southern comfort food, in a wide range of atmospheres, including al fresco, to suit any taste.
 
F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hops are sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, Maker’s Mark, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards and the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center, along with 30 local sponsoring businesses on Frankfort, Mellwood and Story Avenues. Transportation is provided by TARC. For more information about specific F.A.T. Friday “Freedom Hop” events, the trolley schedule, and the participating businesses, please visit www.fatfridayhop.org.