Youngstown & Mahoning Valley - In recent years, the City of Youngstown has worked to add in more community events to promote area-wide involvement. 

As the weather heats up for the season, thousands made their way to Downtown Youngstown for the very first 'First Friday's' event on Friday. 

Conveniently falling on Cinco De Mayo, organizers said this is yet another way to promote community involvement and boost downtown businesses.

"It's huge for like the town. If you could get more events like this every summer, you'll get more people out here," said Ralph Naples of Youngstown. 

From live music at the Youngstown Amphitheater to a party on Phelps, and a Cinco-De-Mayo celebration, it felt like the start of summer at Youngstown's 'First Friday's' event.

"There's a lot of space down here," said Adam Lee, Programming Director with Youngstown City Scape. "There's a lot of parking. There's a lot of area to walk. Come and listen to some music, go out and have some dinner."

Hosted by the Youngstown City Scape, the event promotes downtown business and community involvement. It's an effort attendees say is a must for Youngstown.

"Everyone will go to the local bars to eat and drink before and support them and they come together and just have a great time," said Jaiden Dempsey of Boardman.

"It's huge," Naples said. "Everyone is trying to come down here and everyone is trying to see some new things. It's nice to get a community where a ton of people in the area are coming in and you could expand it to even get people from the outside."

Organizers said the beautification happening in Downtown Youngstown, especially the renovation of Phelps Street, really ties in that community feel and is perfect for events like these.

"It's a promenade essentially right through the middle of downtown," Lee added. "The beautification really helps with all the pots and the flowers. You can experience the night by parking and walking to all of these places that you can't do elsewhere. So, it's a perfect opportunity to experience Downtown Youngstown."

First Fridays welcomed YSU students too with interactive happenings on campus.

The community enjoyed their evening together as the party lasted late into Friday night.

There are two more 'First Fridays' throughout the summer that will each look a bit different. The events are completely free to attend. If you missed out, just remember the first fridays of June and July.