Pingston said nothing like the program has been tried before. It is expected to offer many new opportunities for residents of Lansing, East Lansing and other communities in the area, she said.

“That’s what’s got a lot of people talking about it — it is something different, and it is something the whole community can get involved with,” Pingston said.

One of the main draws of the First Friday events might be be the free CATA bus service. CATA Executive Director Sandy Draggoo said two free Entertainment Express trolleys will run from East Lansing to downtown Lansing starting at 5:30 p.m. and all other CATA routes will provide free fare starting at 7 p.m.

Draggoo said community support for the program has been outstanding and she said she believes the program will grow as more First Fridays happen, and people learn about the events offered.

“If we could get people to be as excited about it as we are, than it could get bigger and bigger from that and … stimulate excitement in that way,” Draggoo said.

The program already has garnered support from about 50 businesses in the area, including various restaurants, retail stores, bars, art galleries and others, said Jan Pfeiffer, the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau membership manager.

The concept behind First Fridays successfully has been implemented in other communities, said Ellen Fragola,marketing and events manager at Downtown Raleigh Alliance.

Fragola said the Raleigh, N.C., community has had a First Friday program in its community for more than 20 years, with an initial emphasis on art galleries that since has expanded to many of businesses in the downtown districts.

“It really is attractive to people of all ages and interests,” Fragola said.

She said since the adoption and success of the program in Raleigh, many other downtowns have implemented the idea. Fragola said she was happy to see other communities across the nation picking up on the idea and working it to fit successfully within their own downtowns.

“I’m always very pleased when we’re able to help outreach organizations,” Fragola said. “It’s a great model. It’s a great event and can certainly be applied in other cities.”

The event likely will appeal to many students in the area and allow them to have fun on and off campus for a cheaper price, advertising senior Louise Gradwohl said.

“When money is tight going to school, (the program) could encourage students to go downtown and maybe see things they wouldn’t see just living on campus,” Gradwohl said. “It’s a really great opportunity for this community.”