With three stages to choose from, it's always easy to catch rhythm at 2nd Fridays.

The July edition of 2nd Fridays, Cullman’s monthly summertime street party, may have brought the largest of its sizable crowds into the downtown area yet, thanks in part to more businesses and more activities informally joining in the fun well beyond the event’s sanctioned Warehouse District boundaries.

With First Avenue closed (except for cross traffic on U.S. Highway 278) from Depot Park all the way to the Busy Bee Cafe — a span of seven blocks — there was just more to see and do Friday, and more room for the crowd to spread out comfortably.

In the public area across from Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House, a rock climbing wall and a ferris wheel kept kids entertained while parents and latecomers waited for Microwave Dave and the Nukes to take the stage in the carnival ride’s shadow. The classic car cruise-in, centered on Depot Park and the immediate surroundings, spread even farther afield than ever, with custom and antique vehicles lining the street block away from the main event.

With muggy but mild weather on tap, the lawn chairs came out in force, with car owners and people who simply planned to stay a while settling in along the sidewalks to take in music from one of the three main stages (not counting all the additional street music from acts like Kent DuChaine and Microwave Dave).

Sponsored by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Cullman Parks and Recreation, 2nd Fridays lives up to its name in Cullman’s Warehouse District each month through the end of summer. The next event is slated for August 10.