Thomasville’s First Friday Sip and Shop concert series continues with the next event set for Friday, May 6. Guests are invited to sip, shop, dine, and stroll through Downtown Thomasville from 6-8 pm, then enjoy a free concert in The Ritz Amphitheater from 8-10 pm featuring band Southward Soul.
“Southward Soul is known for their mix of blues, folk, and country, featuring original songs and covers, so we encourage everyone to come out to hear their unique sound,” noted Madison Eaton, Tourism & Events Manager for the City of Thomasville.
Before the band hits the stage, many shops and restaurants will have extended hours beginning at 6 pm. Adults 21 years of age and older can pick-up a free armband from a participating business and enjoy an adult beverage while sipping and shopping. Food trucks will also be set up around The Ritz Amphitheater from 6-10 pm
Additional activities scheduled throughout the evening include a chance to help Vashti Center break a Guinness World Record, the Thomasville Police Department’s Annual Inspection, and the promotion of National Drinking Water Week.
Local non-profit Vashti Center is calling on everyone to dress like a butterfly to bring awareness to mental health services and end the stigma for children’s mental health. Organizers are hoping to break the Guinness World Record for the most people dressed like a butterfly. To participate, just show-up at The Ritz Amphitheater in a butterfly costume that meets the Guinness Record requirements. Costumes must include antennae, wings, and feature your torso, arms, and legs covered in the same color. Head over to The Ritz Amphitheater at 5:30 pm to participate.
The Thomasville Police Department’s Annual Inspection is an impressive review of all officers, police vehicles, and K9s by Thomasville’s Chief of Police John Letteney. This event will begin at 6 pm around the historic courthouse with a swearing in and promotion ceremony, followed by the inspection and community meet and greet with officers.
City of Thomasville staff will also distribute free water bottles to the community throughout the night to promote National Drinking Water Week.
“Our First Friday Sip and Shop events continue to grow and attract many people from Thomasville and surrounding communities,” said Eaton. “We enjoy creating partnerships with other organizations and City of Thomasville Departments to make these events special for our community.”
The First Friday Sip and Shop event is free and open to the public. For more information, including parking, armband locations, and merchant hours, visit thomasvillega.com/firstfriday or contact the Thomasville Visitors Center at (229) 228- 7977.
(pictured above is band Southward Soul)