It’s Oktoberfest Time in Downtown Decatur

Downtown Decatur’s monthly block party takes to the streets for the last time in 2013 on Friday, October 18^th. With a theme of Oktoberfest, downtown Decatur will be decked out with fall decorations and along with its usual family-friendly entertainment and special sales, there will be a 3^rd Friday Finale Concert featuring the Gary Nichols Band.

The block party officially kicks off at 5 p.m. when blocks of both Bank Street and Second Avenue will be closed off to traffic. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and take part in a variety of family-friendly activities including a haunted tour of the Princess Theatre, free tours at the Old State Bank, a free concert and more.

To conclude this year’s 3^rd Friday, a free concert presented by BP featuring the Gary Nichols Band will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. at Founders Park. Nichols has been playing guitar and singing since the age of 6. In 2003 he signed with Mercury Records and shortly thereafter returned to Muscle Shoals and signed a songwriting deal with Fame Music. In 2010, he joined The Steeldrivers as guitarist and vocalist.

Additional performers scheduled to perform include Jordan Landers at Simp McGhee’s, Kim Stone at Downtown Dawgs, Tennessee River Ramblers at Bank Street Green, Dowacky and Friends in the 300 block of Second Avenue, Jonathan Laird in Jones Park (200 block of Second Avenue), Farris, York and Sledge Jazz Trio in the 700 block of Bank Street, and Gray Cauthen in the 800 block of Bank Street. The Brick will host live music on the patio and a DJ will be cranking out the music under the marquee at the Princess Theatre

All along Bank Street, classic cars and vintage beauties will be on display. The Old State Bank will offer free tours of the bank and Heirloom Garden. Participants receive free herbs (in limited quantities). On Second Avenue, children can play in the Kids Zone where activities include face painting, sidewalk chalk, inflatables and demonstrations by Webster’s Karate, and the Princess Theatre will offer a haunted tour for those who dare to enter.

Anyone interested in learning more about Carnegie Carnival should come to Founder’s Park for the Carnival Krewe Kick-off. In Casa Grande Park, festivalgoers can find the Vendor Marketplace featuring handmade items.

Store specials, giveaways, and discounts will be offered at selected retailers and restaurants including a storewide 30% off sale at Wimberley’s on Second, complimentary refreshments at Bank Street Art and Antiques, pick a duck for a discount at Tallulah’s, a Flowers for Lexi Fundraiser at The Antique Basket, a garage sale room at Memi’s and The Paper Chase, and a painting demonstration by Huntsville artist Julie Robinson at The Cupboard.

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.