SARANAC LAKE — Local businesses are teaming up to celebrate the first Friday of each month with extended hours, special events, sales and specials.

Saranac Lake’s first First Friday event will be Sept. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.

First Friday in Saranac Lake is a monthly celebration of cultural diversity, history, food, business and arts. It is a night that encourages collaboration between retail shops, restaurants, art venues and local entertainment to showcase the vibrancy of the downtown businesses and create a welcoming community.

The Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Adirondack Diversity Initiative, Main Street Exchange, Paul Smith’s College and North Country Community College have been working to bring this initiative to the community. First Friday is a nationwide initiative to encourage a welcoming community, support local businesses and prevent urban decay.

“It is an opportunity to enrich our relationship with our neighbors, nearby residents in the Tri-Lakes, visitors, our school community and to better engage college students at North Country Community College and Paul Smith’s College,” said David Epstein-HaLevi, scholar activist with Adirondack Diversity Initiative. “Our businesses can help be spaces of welcoming and belonging that foster interaction between members of our community who otherwise don’t interact as often. In creating a more welcoming business community, we create opportunities for both more clients and employees by fostering the kind of town that people want to live and spend time in.”

“We are excited to be working with our local colleges and businesses to help support cultural diversity and the business community,” said Rachel Karp, executive director of the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

First Fridays not only support tourism, but they also encourage members of the community to engage with each other: With over 15 businesses participating, the goal is for this event to bring out more people than a typical Friday evening might to support local businesses, enjoy cultural experiences and fit in some social interaction.

For more information about Saranac Lake First Friday, visit www.slareachamber.org/firstfriday or call 518-891-1990.