First Fridays are back beginning Friday, March 1 from 6:00-10:00 p.m. in Downtown Thomasville. “This year’s First Friday Sip and Strolls begin in March and continue through December,” says Madison Eaton, City of Thomasville events coordinator. “We have had such success with these events that we wanted to grow the concert series this year. In addition to more concerts, we’re also expanding the events with new themes that help set the tone for the evening. We’ll kick March off with a Celtic Pub Crawl theme.”
Sip, stroll, and shop through downtown Thomasville from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and explore the shops and restaurants that make Thomasville unique. “Downtown Thomasville continues to grow, year after year,” says April Norton, City of Thomasville Main Street and Business Development Director. “With over 100 shops and restaurants in the downtown, there is truly something to suit every taste, all within walking distance.”
While you’re strolling, be sure to stop into any of the participating downtown restaurants to get your armband and grab your favorite beer or wine to go in one of the special First Friday event cups. “Many of our downtown restaurants and shops will be creatively engaging with this month’s theme,” says Norton. “Stop in and enjoy specials and displays all with a Celtic Pub Crawl twist.”
At 8:00 p.m., make your way to the Ritz Amphitheater to experience the world-renowned Celtic band, Runa. Quickly gaining recognition as one of Irish music’s new “super-groups,” Runa has been enchanting audiences by pushing the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats since their formation in 2008. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music.
“Having Runa in this year’s lineup brings a fresh cultural experience to downtown Thomasville,” says Eaton. “It is like having a little bit of Ireland in South Georgia.”
First Friday Sip and Strolls are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.thomasvillega.com or call the Thomasville Visitors Center at 229-228-7977.