Wow, did they ever fix First Fridays. I had almost given up due to the distances, the crowds, getting pushed off the sidewalk by goth kids with glowsticks and cloves. Now it's so much better!
I mean you still get to say "look at that effin hipster" every five seconds, but now you are doing it from a nice, safe and blocked off Roosevelt. Everything is accessible, no more scary walks down by vacant lots to get to the next grouping.
I got see Imperial Storm Troopers (I bet they were sweating up a storm!) 2 of the 4 Ghostbusters, the Sisters of Mercy and a guy in a pink fuzzy suit (possibly a teletubby?) who gave me a totally free hug!
Took the light rail down, had a nice dinner, walked off part of the pasta, checked out some art and had a great time people watching. The decision to consolidate the First Fridays area was a stellar one, and I will be back for sure now - I just may wait until it cools off again.