Auburn took its own spin on Black Friday on the eve of the Iron Bowl.
Blue Friday, an event put on by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce in the Gay Street parking lot, showcased vendors, inflatables, activities for children and TVs. Stores also offered later hours and an entertainment district, meaning people can carry open containers of alcoholic beverages, was invoked downtown.
Lolly Steiner, president of the chamber of commerce, said this is the third time the event has happened in Auburn. She said Tuscaloosa hosts a similar event when they host the Iron Bowl.
Though there was a smaller turnout this year, Steiner said she was still happy with the event.
"We would do it no matter what," Steiner said. "It's another way to enhance the game day experience for the Auburn Family."
Steiner said she hope the event provides people who travel from far away with another opportunity for fun.
Steve Means, 1969 Auburn alumnus, traveled from Gulf Shores for the game. He said he enjoyed the atmosphere and the band.
"It's just Auburn," Means said. "And, you know, it's in your blood. So when you're here, you get out."
Eric Stamp, who owns the T-shirt store Stamp and is president of the Downtown Merchants Association, said community events such as Blue Friday add to the experience of being in town for the Iron Bowl.
"From our store's perspective, we've been busy all day, even before the event, and it's continued; we're still busy," Stamp said.
Two bands performed at Blue Friday. Dallas Dorsey opened, and Rollin' in the Hay played from 6-9 p.m. Stan Foster, bassist and vocalist for Rollin' in the Hay, said he enjoys playing in college towns in Southeastern schools, but Auburn is special to him and his band.
"We're partial to Auburn," Foster said. "We do a lot of things that feature the community, the city, in all these little towns that we go to."
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