By Mike Finney

DOVER — The Downtown Dover Partnership’s First Friday festivities will take on a “back to the books” theme this week, as local school staffers in any position will be celebrated.

DDP, in appreciation of local educators and the work they perform on a daily basis, said school staff are invited to show their IDs at the Capital City Farmers Market and receive a School Staff Appreciation Voucher to use for $5 off food or products at the market Friday, beginning at 4 p.m.

As usual, there will also be food, activities and live music for families to enjoy during First Friday, from 5-8 p.m.

Mother’s Highway Junction Band will be the featured artists at Loockerman Way Plaza. The band, which features Mike Miller, John Kidd and Bob Hamel, will play throughout the evening.

“My music has been influenced by J.J. Cale, Neil Young, Townes Van Zandt, Garcia and Hunter, and roots, blues and folk genres, yet we most enjoy playing our original songs or taking a known tune and rearranging it into a unique musical experience,” said Mr. Miller, who is singer, guitarist and songwriter with the group.

The Mother’s Highway Junction Band began playing some time ago, as a substitute for a performer who canceled a gig at a high-profile site.

The set went well, and the band members quickly realized that they had a unique sound, committed players and their own songs.

“What I enjoy most about playing on First Fridays is visiting with so many different people and providing music to help create a positive and fun community experience,” said Mr. Miller, a regular First Friday busker.

Other activities for the family will include crafts for kids at the Dover Art League (26 W. Loockerman St.); oversize games for all ages and activities for small children at the intersection of South Bradford and Loockerman streets; a firetruck and Dover Fire Department members, who will show their uniforms and chat with visitors about what it takes to become a firefighter; and artist Edward Lewandowski painting outdoors, also on Loockerman Street.

“Kids will be able to paint with chalk and even enjoy a colorful sidewalk obstacle course made of chalk,” said Rosie Mujica of Dover Public Library’s Youth Services. “These courses are imaginative, playful and directional kinds of paths that include things like jumping, spinning, hopscotch or other maneuvers.”

Members of the community are asked to support Caring Hearts Helping Hands by bringing yellow highlighters, pencils and boxes of tissues to support local back-to-school needs.

These supplies can be dropped off in front of the CenDel Foundation building at 101 W. Loockerman St., where a Caring Hearts Helping Hands representative can provide more information about the nonprofit organization.

A mobile parklet — or small seating area, often with green space, along a sidewalk — will again be featured near Rebel Cove Grill.

Helen Wiley, public outreach manager for the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization, invites members of the community to visit the parklet, whose features will change over time. This month, it will have seating, plants, lighting and a board game.

Additional First Friday musicians and their locations include:

• Delaware Shoppe/Parke Green Galleries — Kathy Doyle, Stu Welch and Jim McGiffin performing blues on upright bass, harmonica and ukulele.
• Grey Fox Grille & Public House — Darren O’Neill playing on the patio from 5:30-8 p.m.
• The House of Coffi — Singers/songwriters Rick and Tish Schuman on acoustic guitar and drums with a focus on late 1960s/early 1970s and original pieces.
• My Roots — Singer/songwriter Rick Hudson on guitar and harmonica with a focus on blues, old-time country and contemporary pieces.
• Tina’s Timeless Threads — Singer/songwriter Mollie Raley Hall on guitar, ukulele and mandolin, performing an eclectic mix of mostly folk and pop.
• Zuha Trend — Saxophonist Clay Jackson playing big sounds of jazz, R&B and gospel with backing tracks.

DDP will have a table at the intersection of South Bradford and Loockerman streets, where visitors are invited to pick up specially priced “Dover Strong” T-shirts and Capital Key cards to “unlock value shopping downtown,” as well as learn more about First Friday activities.

Shoppers should bring their Capital Keys for downtown promotions. Request one from a downtown Dover ambassador, at participating shops or by visiting here.

First Friday typically takes place rain or shine, but the likelihood of downpours and/or lightning preclude safe outdoor activity, the event will be canceled. Notification will be posted by 2 p.m. Friday on Facebook (Downtown Dover) and at here.

A schedule of dates for the Capital City Farmers Market can be found at here.