By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(April 11, 2019) The first in a reinvigorated series of monthly 2nd Friday strolls will begin in downtown Berlin this week, from 5-8 p.m.

Following a well-attended merchant’s meeting last month, many local business owners pledged to recommit to the event, which has seen dwindling participation in recent years.

The 2nd Friday stroll is sponsored and organized by the Berlin Arts and Entertainment Committee.

“I hope to see a bunch of locals, especially, but guests as well, out and about and enjoying themselves,” committee Chairwoman Heather Layton said. “Shops are onboard with 2nd Friday and offering extended hours.

“It’s no secret there’s been quite a bit of negative banter on social media lately regarding the town, and I just hope people can kind of forget about it for the evening get out enjoy themselves and each other. Second Friday is really a community event and, at the end of the week, I just hope everybody takes advantage of the nice weather they’re calling for, and gets out and has a good time.”

Scheduled offerings as of last week include:

• A 10th anniversary celebration at Atlantic Retreat on 29 Broad Street, unit 102A.
• Featured artists Alice Cataldi and Katrina Zimmerman, and tastings of Farmhouse California red wine at Baked Dessert Cafe on 4 Bay Street.
• Fresh bouquets and a full-service terrarium bar at Bleached Butterfly on 3 Pitts Street.
• Wine and refreshments, and 10 percent off storewide at Bruder Hill on 25 Commerce Street.
• A Burley Oak Brewing company beer tasting and 10 percent off storewide at Bruder Home on 18 North Main Street.
• An open studio at Caroline F. Downes Fine Jewelry on 16 North Main Street, upstairs.
• Spring and summer items will be available, as well as donations accepted for the Jesse Klump Foundation and Worcester GOLD Rainbow Fund at the Church Mouse Thrift Shop on 101 North Main Street.
• Beer, wine and snacks in a brand new shop at The Dusty Lamb on 12 William Street.
• Live Music by the Dead Pens starting at 8 p.m., and a “Local’s Favorite Show” in the upstairs gallery at The Globe on 12 Broad Street.
• Paint demonstration and sangria at 6 p.m. at HOUSE Berlin on 111 Artisan’s Way.
• Wine, cheese and extended hours at Life’s Simple Pleasures on 15 Gay Street.
• Refreshments and demonstrations of the Espresso Book Machine at Salt Water Media on 29 Broad Street, unit 104.
• Vinegar and oil tastings, and extended hours at Una Bella Salute on 14 Broad Street.
• An open studio and free octopus coloring pages at Wooden Octopus on 8 Jefferson Street.
• The “Photography and Digital Media” juried exhibit at the Worcester County Arts Council on 6 Jefferson Street.

Additionally, downtown restaurants, including the Atlantic Hotel, Blacksmith, Burley Café, Burley Inn Tavern, DiFebo’s and Fins Ale House, will be open late.

For more information on the Berlin Arts and Entertainment Committee, visit www.artsinberlin.org or www.facebook.com/artsinberlinmd.