Head to downtown Columbia on Friday, Sept. 24, for a night of food, music and shopping when the Merchants Association of Columbia sponsors Columbia Friday Fun Night from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will take place along Fourth and Locust streets.

The evening will feature live music by the 10-piece Columbia-based party band Matches - Funk on Fire. "The street will be closed, so people can come and sit and enjoy the music," said Michelle McFarland, event coordinator. Businesses and restaurants will also be open late for the event, she noted, including the new Columbia Market House, and many will have tables set up with samples or displays of their wares.

"We would encourage people to take time to stop by some (of the places) that are new to the area or revisit some of their favorite locations or establishments," McFarland stated.

This will be the first event sponsored by the Merchants Association of Columbia, which was created to encourage business growth in the town. "Holding events such as this is intended to show people within Columbia and those outside of the borough all that we have to offer," McFarland explained.

She said the association hopes to expand downtown activities to include regular Fourth Friday events. "There is a desire to initiate activities that showcase the town and help to bring the community together," she noted. "The hope is that in the spring, we can hold monthly activities and events that ... encourage people to visit the borough or partake in events in their own community."

She added that everyone is welcome to the Fun Night, which offers an opportunity to get reacquainted with Columbia or see the town for the first time. "If you know the charm of Columbia and love live music, then please come out and enjoy all of your favorite local haunts," McFarland said. "If you have never been to Columbia but have wanted to sample what it has to offer and hear some great music, then you, too, should come on out."

For more information on the Columbia Friday Fun Night, search for "Merchants Association of Columbia, PA" on Facebook.