Downtown Is Goin' to the Dogs!

Downtown Decatur is going to the dogs at this month’s 3^rd Friday celebration. Set for Friday, September 21^st, 3^rd Friday Downtown Decatur invites everyone to come be a part of the excitement and enjoy an evening of live music, a dog parade, food, and free family fun. The festivities get underway at 5 p.m.  

Dogs of all shapes and sizes are invited to take part in a parade through the streets of downtown Decatur. Led by Grand Marshall Cookie Stoner and unofficial, but elected Mayor of Bank Street, Beau, the parade begins at the corner of Grant Street and 2^nd Avenue and travels to Lee Street then Bank Street, ending at Bank Street Green. Registration is free but must be made in advance to participate in the parade. Owners are encouraged to dress their canines up. Registration will be at Jones Park on 2^nd Avenue (next to the old Maria Bonita) from 5 to 5:45 p.m. and goodie packets will be provided by Downtown Dawgs, sponsor of this year’s dog parade.

Live music gears up at 5 p.m. with performances by Nadaband (at Casa Grande Park), Kim Stone (at All-Wright Bakery and Eatery and 500 block of Bank Street), and Sweet Tones Dulcimer Ensemble from the Morgan County Dulcimer Association (in the 600 block of Bank Street). The Brick will offer live music on the patio and the Main Stage located in the 800 block of Bank Street will feature Briana Dean and Bank.

All-Wright Bakery and Eatery located on Moulton Street will host a tasting in the shop from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m. Samples of old favorites such as chicken salad and cheese straws as well as new bakery items including a variety of cakeballs will be provided.

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). Bank Street Antique Mall will host chair caning demonstrations outside of its entrance. 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.  

For those who want to make 3^rd Fridays a getaway, Amberley Suite Hotel on Bank Street will offer a 25% discount on rooms (must mention Decatur Daily ad or Facebook ad to receive discount),

Members of the Carnegie Visual Arts Center are invited to its monthly Fri. @ 5. On display is the 10^th annual Embracing Art: A Coming Together of Area Amateur and Professional Artists. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served. Suggested donation is $4 for members and $15 for member’s guests. Attendees should be 21 years of age or accompanied by a parent. Call 256.341.0562 to RSVP.

Store specials including a Vera Bradley Sidewalk Sale at The Paper Chase, 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.

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