ATHOL — This Friday marks the return of the annual series of Fourth Friday promotions in downtown Athol. The event, which runs from 4 to 7 p.m. is held in hopes of encouraging residents and visitors to check out the many offerings available at businesses along Main Street. As a result, Main Street will be closed to traffic between School and Exchange streets to allow pedestrians to amble safely from business to business. A number of vendors also will be on hand.

Entertainment will be provided by Eli Elkus. The Folk New Hampshire website describes Elkus as “a rootin’ tootin’, modern-day American troubadour, serving up a musical concoction of vaudeville, freak folk, in-law country and hobo jazz … The self-proclaimed wingnut calls his never-ending musical quest in his short bus (JeBus), the ‘TroubaTour’.”

Folknh.com says “his original ‘finger-flick’ picking style (is) reminiscent of folk and Americana.” His musical influences include Klezmer and gypsy music, Eastern and Western traditional folk songs, and the 20th century folk revival.

Mary Holtord of Athol’s Downtown Vitality Committee said, “We’ve had to regroup, and that’s coming along slowly. I’m regrouping as fast as I can, so we’re just trying to gather our vendors and our crew people.

“Pop’s Sweet-hart’s ice cream truck is coming back this year,” she said. “They have finally gotten approval to sell their alcohol-infused adult ice creams. So, that should attract some people. We have the Masons coming; I believe they’re doing hot dogs. And Los Agaves will be setting up outside again.

“TNT Co-op Mall,” said Holtorf, “they have been going great guns and they’re going to have a sidewalk sale with some of their vendors. They have a new section in the store which is like a little general store with all local products. They have honey and sauces and jams and jellies, and they have a baker in there doing sort of packaged baked confections. We’re really looking forward to promoting them.

“We don’t have the horses this year,” Holtorf added. “She’s busy doing shows.” Christen Lett of New Salem has visited previous Fourth Friday events with her percheron horses. “But the snakes will be back, which are a big hit.”

Holtorf said many of the vendors who have attended in recent years will be returning, “but we’re looking for new vendors. The vendors can come in from anywhere, they don’t have to be from Athol.”

Any vendors interested in participating in this year’s Fourth Friday events can send a letter of interest to: Downtown Vitality Committee, Athol Town Hall, 584 Main St , Athol MA 01331.

Mandatory: tents must have 60 pounds of weights. Space is available for a $15 booth fee per event or $50 for all four Fridays. Fees must be paid in advance and there are no refunds. Space provided is 10  feet by 10 feet, and events are held rain or shine. Interested vendors can also email Mary Holtorf at mholtor16@aol.com or leave a message on the Downtown Athol 4th Friday Fest Facebook page: www.facebook.com/events/977177517436891/.

Dates of the remaining Fourth Friday events are June 27, July 25, and August 22.