August 20th, 2026
North East Second Friday to Honor First Responders on September 11
Cecil TV’s Doug Donley speaks with Jennifer Goldbach, chairman of the North East 2nd Friday Committee, about a successful summer season and plans for two remaining Second Fridays on Main events. Goldbach says attendance, vendor participation and community support have continued to grow, prompting organizers to extend this year’s series through October.
The September 11 event will take on special significance as North East marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The evening will focus on honoring first responders and remembering those who lost their lives. Earlier in the day, local churches will ring their bells and the fire company will sound its siren at times corresponding with the four hijacked flights.
A remembrance ceremony begins at 5 p.m. with a bagpiper, honor guard and remarks from local officials and first responders. Information about each of the four flights will be read, followed by the ringing of a bell and moments of silence. The ceremony will conclude with a prayer and the community singing “God Bless America.”
After the ceremony, the regular Second Friday festivities will continue with music from North East River Rocks, vendors, food and activities throughout downtown. Antique and modern emergency vehicles will also be displayed, and organizers plan to suspend a large American flag from a ladder truck over Main Street.
Goldbach also previews the final Second Friday of the season in October, which will feature a football and tailgating theme, along with music and the season’s final car meetup.
