FAIRBANKS — Several locally owned and operated retailers are jumping on the First Friday bandwagon just in time to kick off the holidays.

For anyone who’s never experienced a Fairbanks First Friday, the holiday season is a perfect time to kick back with some tasty hors d’oeurves and wander through art galleries and gift shops in search of unique items with local flare.

The Alaska Bowl Company, located on old Airport Way, will host its inaugural First Friday starting at 5 p.m. to showcase local artists Fran and Sarah Buntzen and their hand-painted bowls. The company also will showcase its new collection of fine wines and kitchen ware and have representatives from Basically Basil farms and Kahiltna Birchworks for specialized tastings.

In true First Friday fashion, door prizes and free laser personalization with any wine bottle holder and stopper set purchase are part of the festivities.

Local businesses aren’t the only ones jumping into First Fridays.

Fairbanks schools and local bed and breakfast businesses are taking advantage of the warm weather and holiday season.

Randy Smith Middle School’s Parent Teacher Association has gathered some of the school district’s finest young talent for the annual Reflections Art show.

The middle school, located off Danby Street, will showcase the work of middle school students who have used a variety of mediums to define beauty. From literature and musical composition to photography, choreography and film production, the variety and creativity of work will surprise even the wildest tastes.

Downtown, sidewalks and streets are likely to be busy with First Friday patrons.

Una Wirkebau, new owner of the Alaska Heritage House at 410 Cowles Street, is taking a historical approach to First Friday by opening up the former Mary Lee Davis home for a tour. The home was built in 1916 and has been restored to its original grandeur including fine art, antique furniture and handcrafted textiles throughout the home.

Beads and Things, located in the Co-Op Plaza on Second Avenue, will feature Inupiaq ivory carvers Edward Penatac and Brian Julik. Beads and Things specializes in Native arts and crafts and will be open from 5-8 p.m. to feature local artists, including Athabascan beaders Corinna Ely-Evans, Denise Hardesty and Ann Goessel.

A few doors down Second Avenue, patrons can take a trip back in time to old Fairbanks with help from River City Cafe and Espresso and Alaska History store. A wide variety of historical reprints and other items will be available for purchase starting at 5 p.m.

One of the brightest venues will be at 210 Cushman Street at If Only...A Fine Store. The gift shop will host its annual candlelight shopping extravaganza. As part of the festivities, store owners Rebecca Morse and Georjean Seeliger will bathe the store in candlelight for a glittering shopping experience. Brayana Jeannet will play classical harp at 5 p.m., and Morse will play traditional carols on her antique pump organ at 6:30. As with all First Friday events at If Only, there will be drawings and giveaways for those who stop by.

Local artist Peter Fricilone will have hand carved wooden spoons and utensils on display at The Woodway on College Road starting at 5 p.m. Fricilone’s work has been on display throughout the community in numerous venues and is just one of the many items worth venturing out tonight to see.

For a full listing of First Friday events, see the What’s Happening calendar in Latitude 65 section of today’s News-Miner.