It's Tailgate Time in Downtown Decatur

Decatur, Ala. – As summer winds down and children look to returning to the classroom, this time of year also means football season is gearing up. As any southerner knows, football, tailgating, and barbeque all go hand in hand, and to celebrate, 3^rd Friday Downtown Decatur announces “Tailgate Time” for its theme for this month’s celebration set for August 17th. In addition, 3^rd Friday also will help kick off Alabama Restaurant Week, a 10-day promotion inviting diners to experience the flavors of locally-owned restaurants.

The festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. Bank Street Green will be offering Angus burgers, all beef hot dogs, pork, beer, ice cream, soft drinks, and spirits and from 5 to 6 p.m. Jimmy Dawes from the award winning BBQ team “Lil’ Bit ‘O Smoke” will be demonstrating techniques for backyard barbecuing and providing free samples. Auburn fans are encouraged to bring their camera to get a picture with Aubie who will be here all the way from Auburn University from 5 to 5:45 p.m.

Live music gears up at 5 p.m. with performances by Kim Stone (at Downtown Dawgs on Moulton Street), “Spirit of 76” (in the gazebo), Sweet Tones Dulcimer Ensemble from the Morgan County Dulcimer Association (in the 600 block of Bank Street), Jordan Landers (at Simp McGhee’s), and AB Boys (on Second Avenue). The Main Stage located in the 800 block of Bank Street will feature Tina Turner Impersonator Dorothy Cole. Her hip shaking music is slated to begin at 7 p.m.

All along Bank Street, antique and classic cars will be on display, Papa Murphy’s Pizza will be providing free samples of its pizza, and Babette Shedd will be face painting (for a nominal fee). Volkswagens will fill Second Avenue and a variety of arts and crafts will be on hand along both streets. Blocks of both Bank Street and Second Avenue will be closed with the cross streets open for traffic.  

Store specials, giveaways, and discounts will be offered at selected retailers and restaurants and many of the merchants will remain open until 8 p.m. Participating streets in 3^rd Fridays include 2^nd Avenue, Bank, Market, Moulton, Grant, and Johnston streets. Admission is free.

Alabama Restaurant Week begins August 17^th with Simp McGhee’s, Vittone’s Pizzeria Ristorante, Café 113, The Casual Gourmet, Timbuck2, and Albany Bistro participating. These restaurants will be offering special fixed-priced meals for lunch and/or dinner from Friday until Sunday, August 26^th. For each restaurants’ menu and pricing, visit www.alabamarestaurantweek.com and click on Morgan County.

For more information on 3^rd Friday, call Ashley Ashwander at 256.355.8993.