TRENTON — The vibrant spirit of Trenton’s monthly First Fridays has been marred by an unfortunate surge in violence and disruptive behavior, forcing the cancellation of the beloved community event for the remainder of 2023.
A cherished tradition for seven years, First Fridays were held on the first Friday of each month from May through October, featuring local vendors and live music. However, after only two events this year, the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County (TAACF) announced the disappointing news via social media on Tuesday morning.
In a heartfelt statement, event organizers expressed their gratitude for the support received over the years, but also their deep regret in having to make this decision. They emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to combat senseless violence and destructive conduct within the City of Trenton, in the hopes of reviving First Fridays in the future.
Helen Jones Walker, TAACF’s publicity chair, revealed to New Jersey 101.5 that they had noticed a concerning change in the attendees at First Fridays. She described it as a “lack of maturity,” clarifying that it was not exclusively tied to age. Walker explained that the cancellation was driven by a prevailing atmosphere of increased violence in the city. Lieutenant Nathan Bolognini, spokesperson for the Trenton Police, echoed this sentiment, stating that the decision was a precautionary measure to protect a large gathering of people from potential harm.
Walker confirmed that TAACF had been in communication with the mayor’s office, indicating a shared commitment to finding a resolution.
Disruptive Incident Following Trenton Cigar Event
The decision to cancel First Fridays followed an unsettling incident that occurred shortly after a Cigar Sundays event in Trenton on Sunday. Following the conclusion of the gathering at Cooper’s Riverview restaurant around 9 p.m., a violent altercation erupted in a nearby parking garage.
The situation escalated tragically, resulting in a shooting that left a man wounded in the chest and bicep, according to reports from The Trentonian. The victim was promptly transported to the hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Organizers of the Cigar Sundays event released a statement affirming their commitment to maintaining a safe environment, highlighting the presence of Trenton police officers and professional security at their events. They stressed that the shooting took place in an area beyond their control, acknowledging the profound impact it would have on the local community.
Lt. Bolognini clarified that the city has not witnessed any shootings directly linked to organized events, seeking to differentiate this unfortunate incident from the broader context of Trenton’s community gatherings.
