Businesses in downtown Kalispell hope a "First Friday" initiative will bring in new business.

The celebration is a way for visitors and residents to get out and enjoy downtown Kalispell's shopping and dining options. Stores will stay open until 8 PM and offer special discounts, music, and food.

One business owner says her store is ready to welcome people with new merchandise, hors d'ouevres, and even a vodka tasting.

"I think its a wonderful thing to see the support in the community," said Montana Expressions owner Karen Cramer, "And being downtown is really just a fun environment. There's so many different shops down here, I don't think everyone realizes what we have to offer. So we're very excited about what they're doing."

The first "First Friday" is on May 4th, and the event will happen the first friday of every month throughout the summer.