Hop into spring during First Friday, April 7th in downtown Milledgeville. Music will fill the springtime air all evening long. First Friday goers are encouraged to walk around downtown and explore what First Friday has to offer.

The First Friday Committee has partnered with the Civic Women’s Club to bring the Easter Bunny to First Friday. Beginning at 5 pm visitors will be able to visit and take pictures with the Easter Bunny located inside Allen’s Market. The photos are $7 each or $6 each if two or more are purchased. The photos will be affixed onto a mat board so that they are suitable for framing. The Civic Women's Club has also planned several art projects inside the Market (Bonnets & Bowties, Easter/Spring cards, and coloring sheets.) There is no charge for the art projects and children do not have to purchase a photo to attend. The Civic Woman's Club is a volunteer organization and belongs to the Georgia (GaWFC) and General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC). Donations to their projects go to Milledgeville/Baldwin County area charities.

There will be a variety of music downtown including acoustic folk duo, Wilson and Heath at Oconee Outfitters, instrumental guitarist, Mack McMahan at Gringos and Richard Martin and Dustin McCook will be playing at the Black Heritage Plaza. Martin and McCook have been playing music together for over 5 years now, primarily with the band FreeLance Ruckus. They cover many different styles and genres with their own unique and tasteful touch. Their original songs emphasize vocal harmonies in a "southern alternative Americana rock" style with a special focus on Dustin's powerful and captivating lead guitar. They always have a song for any type of person covering a wide variety of artists such as Bob Dylan,Sublime, The Beatles, Merle Haggard, Beck, Grateful Dead, Cake, Tom Petty, Weezer, Johnny Cash, Bob Marley, Sam Cooke, Dean Martin, Jimi Hendrix, Donovan, and many more. They have a wide variety in their bag of songs and they're sure to have the crowd smiling and singing along.

Champion First Friday sponsor, Magnolia State Bank will be at the Black Heritage plaza with Easter egg decorating and other fun kid friendly activities. First Friday favorite, Lisa Marie Barry is back to brighten the kiddos day with her face paintings. Lisa Marie has a variety of designs to pick from. The Mary Vinson Memorial Library will be at First Friday promoting their Spring Book Sale that will be held on Saturday, April 15th from 10am-3pm. First Friday goers will get the opportunity to shop a mini pre-sale.

The City of Milledgeville Relay for Life team will be at First Friday fundraising for the American Cancer Society with a bake sale and raffle. All proceeds will go to benefit the American Cancer Society. Stop by to get some delicious, baked favorites while contributing to a great cause. First Friday partner, the Milledgeville Jaycees have teamed up with the Exchange Club of Milledgeville to bring interactive games and prizes for the kiddos. The Jaycees provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change. The Exchange Club is America's service club and their national mission is the prevention of child abuse. The Milledgeville Exchange Club works towards this mission through local fundraising efforts as well as local service projects. In addition, the club donates over $10,000 annually towards local non-profit organizations.

Many downtown businesses will be open late during First Friday with deals and discounts that cannot be found on any other day. Eclectic, located on N. Wayne St. will have a clearance sale offering between 25-75% off. Love for Haiti, a non-profit organization based in Milledgeville, GA. Will be at First Friday with spring and Easter craft items available for purchase. All profits will be used to fund a mission trips this summer with Love for Haiti.

Special thanks to the First Friday Champion Sponsors, Magnolia State Bank and Robins Financial Credit Union for helping make First Friday events possible.

The First Friday committee is looking for local talent to showcase their skill by participating in monthly First Friday events. All artists, musicians, dancers, special skills and talents are welcome to apply. For more information about First Friday or how to get involved, contact the Main Street Office at 478.414.4014 or email Deana at dthornton@milledgevillega.us.

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Contact: Carlee Schulte, Director April 3, 2017

Address: Milledgeville Main Street/DDA

P.O. Box 1422

105 E. Hancock St.

Milledgeville, GA 31059

Phone: (478) 414-4014 (office)

Fax: (478) 452-4834

Email: cschulte@milledgevillega.us