Downtown Thomasville’s First Friday Holiday Sip and Stroll will be held Friday, December 7th from 6-10p.m. This will be the final First Friday Sip and Stroll of the year. “The December First Friday is anticipated to be our largest First Friday of the year,” says April Norton, City of Thomasville Main Street and Business Development Director. “We started this event in 2017 and received rave reviews from the community. We are looking forward to another successful event this year.”
The First Friday Holiday Sip and Stroll will feature smaller musical acts tucked throughout the Downtown area from 6:00-8:00p.m.. These acts include BabyGray, Blue Holler, and Luke Wilmoth. “All of our street bands are extremely talented,” says Sherri Nix, City of Thomasville project manager. “They play a wide range of music that will appeal to guests while they shop, sip, stroll, and enjoy the holiday feel of Downtown.”
New to the event this year will be the addition of Art on the Bricks. “Art on the Bricks is a group of fine artists who will display their works throughout downtown. This is highly curated fine art from around the southeast region,” says Norton. Art on the Bricks featured artists will be stationed at key points throughout the Downtown area. “These one-of-a-kind pieces make the perfect holiday gift.”
Horse-and-carriage rides will be available for $5/per person during the Sip and Stroll. All are invited to take a magical ride through the heart of downtown in the back of a handmade carriage. “The carriage rides really set the tone for the Holiday Sip and Stroll,” says Nix. “There’s something very special about seeing the carriages rolling down Broad Street- it really takes you back in time.” Carriage rides will begin at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Broad Street.
The evening will culminate in a free concert at The Ritz Amphitheater from 8:00-10:00p.m., featuring the Gritz and Jelly Butter Band. Based in Atlanta, the Gritz and Jelly Butter Band plays a mix of soul, R&B, hip-hop, and more, including oldies, contemporary hits, and originals. “The Gritz and Jelly Butter Band are a very special group,” says Sarah Baggett, City of Thomasville marketing manager. “They’re one of the top bands in the southeast and have played some very large venues, but most importantly, they’re fun. We’re honored to have a band of this caliber coming to Thomasville.”
Holiday items and specials will be featured in many businesses and restaurants during the event. “This is a great time to kick-off- or finish up! - your holiday shopping,” says Norton. “Our Downtown merchants will have their unique holiday items on display and many of the restaurants will feature festive menus and sips to take with you while you enjoy the night.”
Admission to the First Friday Holiday Sip and Stroll is free. For more information, call the Thomasville Visitors Center at 229-228-7977 or visit www.thomasvillega.com.