Plaza in Downtown Salisbury, MD. Photo by Ed LeCompte

Downtown Salisbury’s 3rd Friday usually brings dozens of artists and vendors to the streets, along with hundreds of locals to enjoy art, music and entertainment.

The chilly winter months from December to March saw the event held largely inside restaurants and stores, with the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council also allowing indoor space for artists to get in on the action.

As the flowers bloom and thermometers rise, along with it comes 3rd Fridays’ April spring celebration.

Jamie Heater, Head Coordinator of 3rd Friday, said the monthly tradition will return outside on April 15.

“Our theme is ‘Planet Earth,’ which means we will be celebrating all things plants and animals,” Heater said.

Along with the usual artists, vendors and bands, she said that St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury will be having a flower sale and many other nonprofit organizations will be selling native plants. There will also be a petting zoo with baby goats, chicks and bunnies.

Jon Conley, Business Owner of Uncle Jon’s Soap, is typically a regular participant at 3rd Friday, but because his shop is located in Berlin, he has found himself out of the loop the past few months.

With the occasion returning outside, so too is Conley.

In addition to designing his table around the “Planet Earth” theme, he will also likely have products for sale and samples to hand out.

“We just want to be a good presence for Downtown,” Conley said.

With attractions ranging from local music and art, all the way to native species and a petting zoo, 3rd Fridays’ April return outside is an event for the entire family.

Downtown Salisbury (Courtesy: mdp.state.md.us)