Fridays are about to get food-friendly downtown with the Kiwanis Club of Turlock’s inaugural summer series of food fairs to kick off on May 1.

The Kiwanis Club of Turlock is beginning a Main StrEAT Food Rally each first Friday of the month, from May through September, with proceeds to benefit local causes. East Main Street between Thor and Palm streets will be closed for a host of craft vendors and a range of food items for purchase from local restaurants, food trucks and nonprofit food vendors like churches or youth groups selling hamburgers.

“We wanted to do something to be able to connect with our different community groups and create both a community venue and a fundraising opportunity for them and our foundation,” said Kiwanis Club President Trina Walley.

The Turlock High School NMR Club, which promotes leadership, friendship and community involvement, will be selling Jura’s pizza and there will be a Dale’s Kettle Corn stand alongside Hardy Appetitez, which will sell cob salads and chipotle chicken quesadillas. The Kiwanis Club will also be operating a booth that gives cannoli to individuals who donate books to the club’s pre-kindergarten literacy program. Dippin Dots will be for sale and the rally will be in front of Main Street Footers and Anne’s Fish and Chips, both of which will be open for business.

“We are definitely excited and feel like downtown Turlock needs something, especially in the summertime, for people to come out and enjoy,” said Eric DeOliveira, owner and artist at Colossal Tattoo which is also an event sponsor.  "It’s great that people will know every first Friday of the month there is something going on.”

Locals can enjoy music from Red Pony and Van Diemen’s Band at the first Main StrEAT Food Rally which will take place on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.