The 904 Day celebration, a grassroots campaign urging residents to support local small businesses and destinations in the Northeast Florida area code, returns Sept. 4.
This year’s effort encourages people to discover a part of the area unfamiliar to them, in what could lead to a new favorite local business or knowledge of the community’s history.
There is a lot of territory to consider in that search.
The 904 area code covers nearly all of Northeast Florida, including Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
904 Day started a few years ago, inspired by similar area code-based events in Miami and Orlando.
The city of Jacksonville and Mayor Donna Deegan issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 4 as 904 Day.
Northeast Florida residents, organizations and companies can show their support by tagging social media posts with the hashtag #904Day on Sept. 4.
In 2021, a collective effort to amplify the concept was launched by representatives from the city of Jacksonville, WJCT Public Media, Downtown Vision Inc., JAX Chamber, Visit Jacksonville, the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Wingard, according to a news release from Wingard marketing and communications agency.
Additional partners who have joined the committee include the Downtown Investment Authority, the Jacksonville Daily Record, 904 Happy Hour, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida and LOL JAX Film Fest.
Local businesses and organizations taking part in the day include:
• JAX Chamber, which is hosting its first #BuyChamber Market Downtown, in alignment with Downtown Vision Inc.’s monthly First Wednesday Art Walk. It is being presented by Live Oak Contracting.
Vendors for the #BuyChamber Market are JAX Chamber members.
The event is free and open to the public during Art Walk hours from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Chamber’s headquarters at 3 Independent Drive.
Nonprofit organizations are encouraging their supporters to donate from $9.04 to $904.
“For sixty years, The Community Foundation has helped donors give back right here in the communities we call home,” Stephanie Garry Garfunkel, vice president of strategic communications at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, said in the release.
“904 Day is a great opportunity to shine a light on the good work of local nonprofits and the generosity of donors who support them.”
• This year, the Northeast Florida Sierra Club is joining the team behind “Moncrief Springs: The Movie” to host an urban hike through Historic Durkeeville on 904 Day.
Participants will be able to walk through historic surroundings in Northwest Jacksonville to better understand the connections between social justice, environmental preservation and economic well-being for all.
The 1.5-mile walk is from 9 to 11 a.m. and begins at 2503 N. Myrtle Ave.
To find more events and activities, visit 904day.com.
