DECATUR-Downtown Decatur is kicking off its 2022 3rd Friday monthly celebration on April 15 and each month through October, the street party encourages the celebration of all that downtown Decatur has to offer while filling the streets with classic cars, live music, shopping and other free family fun. The celebration gets underway at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free.
Downtown Decatur 3rd Friday invites locals and visitors to explore the downtown area through an evening of family-friendly entertainment. During the monthly street party, antique cars are parked on Second Avenue between Lee and Moulton streets and in both directions on Moulton Street, line dancers will be in the intersection of Moulton Street and children are treated to a variety of activities in the new kids zone located in the block from Johnston Street to Grant Street. Activities for children include giant checkers, giant Jenga, cornhole, a video game truck, balloon animals and an interactive tent with the Cook Museum and Decatur Public Library.
Live music is also a feature each month and slated to headline this month’s event is Buddy Jewell, the first winner on the USA Network talent show Nashville Star.
Each month will offer a different theme. Below is a tentative schedule of events:
May: Make some noise (featuring Battle of the Bands)
June: Hot dog eating contest
July: Cornhole tournament
August: Dog days of summer
September: TBD
October: Fall fun
Festival goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or they may want to check out the front porch offered by Merit House which also will have a wonderful view of one of the new attractions for 3rd Friday, a mechanical bull. The attraction will be located in front of Absaroka and rides will be $5 each. For those arriving hungry, festivalgoers have the choice of one of several locally-owned restaurants and food trucks will be set up on Grant Street with tables and chairs available for patrons to sit and enjoy their food.
In addition, shoppers can catch store specials, giveaways and discounts at select downtown merchants and there will be craft vendors selling handmade items and artists and artesian goods vendors in the area of Second Avenue from Moulton Street to Johnston Street where festival goers can browse and purchase unique items. On select months, the Morgan County/Decatur Farmers Market will offer mini markets to give a snippet into what will be available on Saturday mornings.
Organized by the Downtown Merchants and Business Association, 3rd Friday is concentrated in the 2nd Avenue area only (including Holly Street, Moulton Street, Johnston Street and Grant Street). Beginning at 4:30 p.m. streets will begin to be blocked and will be closed to traffic from 5:30 until 9:00 p.m. Second Avenue from Gordon Drive to Lee Street and Moulton Street from First Avenue to Goody 2 Shoes will be closed. The cross streets, Johnston and Grant streets will be closed before the intersections at Second Avenue in order for guests to have access to the public parking lots.
For more information on 3rd Friday, visit www.facebook.com/
Media Release/Danielle Gibson, President & CEO
Decatur Morgan County Tourism, Inc.
