Fall Festival Time in Downtown Decatur

Cooler temperatures in North Alabama means one thing – goodbye summer and hello fall! With a fall festival theme, Downtown Decatur’s 3^rd Friday monthly celebration welcomes the arrival of autumn, and along with special offerings at local restaurants and diners, festival goers can take part in a variety of family-friendly activities including a herb presentation, scavenger hunt, free tours at the Old State Bank, dancing, and more.

Set for September 20^th, blocks of both Bank Street and Second Avenue will be closed beginning at 5 p.m. and festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a relaxing evening. At 6:30 p.m., Chocolate Cracker is slated for the Bank Street Main Stage located in the 800 block, with Crow, Black and White on the Second Avenue Main Stage in the block of Second Avenue between Johnston Street and Grant Street.

The Brick will host live music on the patio from 6 to 10 p.m. and inside from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Additional performers scheduled to perform include Sweet Thursday at Simp McGhee’s, Debra Davenport in the 700 block of Bank Street, River City Ramblers (a division of the Army Materiel Band) at Bank Street Green, Back to the Beach DJ Night at The Magnolia Room, DJs Eric Stovall and Kim Stovall under the marquee at the Princess Theatre, and Josh Allison at Vittones.

All along Bank Street, classic cars and vintage beauties will be on display. The Old State Bank will offer free tours until 6:30 p.m. and Lowe’s Garden Manager Philda Starks will present “Hurrah for Herbs” at 6 p.m. with participants receiving free herbs (in limited quantities).

Carnegie Visual Arts Center is bringing its Art in the Street program to Second Avenue and in Casa Grande Park, festivalgoers can find the Vendor Marketplace featuring handmade items. Festivalgoers are also invited to “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” sponsored by The Morgan County Domestic Violence Task Force at 5 p.m. at the Morgan County Courthouse.  

From 5 to 8 p.m., Beautiful Edge Salon is offering a Back to School Cut-a-Thon with $15 cuts. Half of proceeds will be donated to “Blessings in a Backpack” charity and new customers receive a 20% discount. The Junior League of Morgan County is hosting a Fall Cookbook Party with samples and cookbook specials at The Paper Chase. The Princess Theatre is gearing up for its 2013-14 season. Costumed performers of upcoming shows will be out mingling with the crowd and advanced show tickets may be purchased. Across the street from the Princess Theatre, Emiron Music will host a fall photo scavenger hunt.

The Arts and Entertainment District is now effect allowing visitors to walk around outdoors with open containers of beer, wine or alcoholic beverages from Gordon Drive to 4^th Avenue. Store specials, giveaways, and discounts will be offered at selected retailers and restaurants including buy one, get one 1Ž2 off at {nora jo}.  

The Downtown Merchants Association wishes to thank the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department for the tremendous support they provide to the event as an in-kind sponsor. Platinum Sponsors are Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority and United Launch Alliance. Gold Sponsors include Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Decatur Morgan Hospital, Lamar, Morgan County Commission, and Supreme Beverage Company/Yuengling/Yuengling Light. Silver Sponsors are Bank Independent and Old Black Bear Brewing Company. Bronze Sponsors are Renasant Bank, Stovall-Marks Insurance, and Temple Inc.

Participating streets in 3^rd Fridays include Second Avenue, Bank, Market, Moulton, Grant, and Johnston Streets. Admission is free. For more information, call Ashley Ashwander at 256.355.8993 or visit 3^rd Friday’s Facebook page for the latest information.