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AMERICUS — On Friday, Aug. 2, Americus will hold its monthly “First Friday” downtown-wide open house. This month’s First Friday is an “Art Show.” Bring your family downtown to enjoy the arts of Americus! Downtown merchants will offer discounts, samples, giveaways, and more! Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with most shops and businesses staying open until 8 p.m. “First Friday After Dark” continues the festivities into the night after 8 p.m.

Everyone is invited to come experience the city’s art, music, food, wares and crafts. The Americus Street Trolley will provide attendees transportation during the event. The trolley will make a loop of the event and is provided by Americus Main Street, free of charge. All activities, exhibits, and performances are free of charge. Maps and playbills detailing the evening’s events will be available at participating locations. More information can be found on the Downtown Americus — Main Street Facebook page.

Mobile Glassblowing Studios will have live glassblowing demonstrations. The Huss Foundation will host the opening of the “Figure it Out” art show with works from local and regional artists. The Americus Arts Gallery will have a reception for their gallery artists, with a live charcoal demonstration from Courtenay Puckett. Americus Snoball & Shaved Ice Co. will be set up to provide attendees with a cool treat while they explore downtown. Three’s Company Too will be hosting local photographers, Shantelle Brito and Andreas Edwards. Artist LeAnne Smith of Gypsy Blue will be featured at The Maze. Artfully Arranged Floral Shop & Gift Boutique will host regional mixed media artist, Ansley Hanniford. The Look Salon Studios will be featuring two local artists, Valarie Duff and Rachel Cotton. Café Campesino will feature the artwork of their employees. Allie’s Boutique will highlight the artwork of “Allie.” The Americus Visitor Center will host thread artist, Karen Adams.

Attendees can enjoy shopping discounts, food samples, specials, and activities at the following businesses: Americus Visitor Center, Fabulous Feet Dance Studio, Rosemary and Thyme restaurant and Floyd’s Pub & Veranda (both at the Windsor Hotel), Love at First Sight Ultrasound Studio & Boutique, The Huss Foundation, Americus Snoball & Shaved Ice Company, Three’s Company Too, The Maze, Artfully Arranged Floral Shop & Gift Boutique, The Kinnebrew Company, Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, and The Look Salon Studios.

Eat, drink, shop, and listen to live music Friday night in Downtown Americus! Purchase an alcoholic beverage from any restaurant in downtown that serves and ask about the “Cocktail Caddy!” Americus Main Street will provide special cups to those restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages which will allow attendees the opportunity to walk around downtown during the event beginning at 5 p.m.

Americus Main Street would like to thank the Americus Arts Gallery for being the sponsor for this month’s First Friday! Please be sure to stop by the gallery and enjoy the various exhibits of our local artists. This event is organized by Americus Main Street and the City of Americus. One of the goals of our organization is to cultivate downtown Americus’ economic and cultural enrichment by providing a platform for entertainment and social engagement to the general public on a regular basis.