Downtown Decatur’s 3^rd Friday Returns April 21

Decatur, Ala. (April 11, 2017) – Downtown Decatur’s monthly block party takes to the streets for the first time in 2017 on Friday, April 21. 3^rd Friday kicks off the 2017 lineup with an Earth Day celebration, and each month through October, the monthly street party brings a different theme featuring art, entertainment, live music, a classic car cruise-in and other family-friendly activities.

Organized by the Downtown Merchants and Business Association, 3^rd Friday gets underway at 5:30 p.m. and the theme for the kickoff event is Downtown Celebrates Earth Day by Giving Back. Patrons bringing canned and non-perishable food for the Neighborhood Christian Center will receive a coupon towards discounts at many participating downtown restaurants and boutiques. All donations will be collected in Jones Park. During 3^rd Friday, everyone is encouraged to use the recycling bins provided by the City of Decatur.

While antique cars line 2^nd Avenue, some of the area’s best musicians and entertainers will be performing at various locations. Performers slated for April 21 include the Decatur Youth Symphony at the Alabama Center for the Arts, Jack Ryan and Valerie Denny at Downtown Dawgs, Laura Alaina Key at Kathleen’s, The Chordsman at Jones Park and Dustin Allen at Gyro Uno.

A variety of activities just for children will be available including inflatables in the block of second Avenue between Moulton and Johnston; visits with Anna, Elsa, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Jack Frost, Tinker Bell, Aurora, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, Spiderman, and Minnie Mouse from “Party Like a Princess”; and free fun provided by Decatur-Morgan Library in Jones Park.

Craft vendors selling handmade items and artists and artesian goods vendors will fill the area of 2^nd Avenue from Moulton Street to Johnston Street. Additional store specials, giveaways, and discounts will be offered at select retailers, and many of the merchants will remain open until 8 p.m. or later.

3^rd Friday is concentrated in the 2^nd Avenue area only (including Holly Street, Moulton Street, Johnston Street and Grant Street). Beginning at 4:30 p.m. streets will begin to be blocked and will be closed to traffic from 5:30 until 9:00 p.m. Antique and classic cars are asked to be in place by 5:30 p.m. For more information on 3^rd Friday, visit www.facebook.com/3rdfridaydowntown/.

Third Friday’s was first organized in 2009 by merchants as a way to attract locals and visitors to the downtown area. Presenting sponsor is Budweiser. Additional sponsors include Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority, Magnolia River, Bank Independent, Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, Cook’s Pest Control, Morgan County Commission, Nucor Steel, 3M, Peck-Glasgow Insurance, Renasant Bank, Stovall-Marks Insurance and King Insurance Agency. The Downtown Merchants and Business 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.

About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)

The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur, contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at www.decaturcvb.org.