Downtown Modesto Partnership has brought back DoMo First Fridays. The events, which takes place at 10th & J St in Modesto, occurs every first Friday of the month until October and brings community, vendors and dancing together. Their last event was in October of 2021 as COVID-19 had forced DoMo events to pause.

Upon approaching the venue, there’s a contagious sense of excitement as music could be heard from almost two blocks away. At the events are local vendors from the community promoting their products. Many of these consisted of clothing, shaving handles, local art and music. Dancing had overtaken a majority of 10th St in front of Brenden Theaters. Salsa music had the crowd moving and enjoying their night out.

These events have not always been available. It has been a tough experience for DoMo events due to COVID-19. Their last event was on October 1, 2021, and during these times, there have been many other events closed. The experience of freedom to experiment the city had almost been lost, until DoMo had announced that their events were returning. 

Jaqueline Rodriguez, vendor and owner of mygirlmadeit, felt safe bringing her family to Downtown Modesto. She felt unsure about being approved since there were many vendors attending. Her approval left her relieved of stress and was happy to be out at the event.

“It is just good to see people smiling,” she said.

Rodriguez said she enjoyed seeing people confidently walking around without masks on and that people were eager to keep their masks off. She added that with a mask on, people are not able to see what emotions they are trying to transmit.

“Now, we are approaching different times,” she said. “For some, it is the first time they’ve been around a large crowd of people since the start of the pandemic. It feels “normal” to have everyone bustling in the streets again.”

Vendors are excited to promote their products. DoMo events allow them to showcase their products and win over new customers. Dulce Belmonte, owner of @sunnyvista_shop, was more than fortunate to be out and promote her business.

“We just wanted to meet new people and get our product out there,” Belmonte said.

Sunnyvista Shoppe sells custom sells customs wood phone holders, keychains, cupholders and home decor. She felt accomplished because her goal of promoting her unique products was achieved.
The event brought newcomers too. Community member, Alberto Renteria, was on a bike ride with his son when he saw crowds and flashing lights. They had no intention in attending the event, but had decided to explore the commotion.
“We just came by and had seen all the skaters,” Renteria commented.
His son enjoyed being out around people, music and lights. Renteria agreed that DoMo events are kid friendly. He plans to come out to them more often.
If you would like to stay up-to-date on DoMo First Fridays events, make sure to follow them on instagram @domodistrict or Facebook.