Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
March is well known and loved for its connection to St. Patrick's Day, and throughout the month people all over the world come together to celebrate the “luck of the Irish.” Likewise, this month's Second Saturday celebration was full of Irish-themed events, giveaways and performances. While St. Patrick's Day officially falls on March 17, the city of Monticello did not hold back in celebrating a little early.
Local events began early that morning, despite some rainy and somewhat gloomy weather. One of the local merchants, Groove Nutrition, kicked off the Second Saturday festivities with an official ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the one-year anniversary of when they first opened in downtown Monticello. Members of the chamber read a proclamation, and owner Chyanna Johnson gave a snip of the ribbon, which was met with cheers from enthusiastic onlookers. Groove offered special protein donuts free with every drink order in celebration of their “birthday.”
The Jefferson Arts Gallery (JAG) hosted its latest exhibit, which included a meet and greet opportunity with the artist of the exhibit, Debo Groover, who co-owns Debortina Studio, and specializes in vivid, mixed-media art pieces. The gallery was also hosting a book signing event to commemorate the new release of “What Do Angels Do?” by Mary Matteson, illustrated by Fran Buie. Guests were encouraged to buy signed copies of the new book, and discuss the upcoming publications from the mind of Matteson.
Several local shops were open all day and well into the evening, offering special St. Patrick's Day deals and specials to shoppers that moseyed in off the street. 
Some shops, like the Luckenbooth Shop, had a little something special in store for their customers.
Around 1:30 p.m., guests gathered in the spacious shop for a performance by the Tallahassee Irish Step Dancers, which was spirited and infectious. As the talented performers moved around the room, guests clapped along, keeping rhythm with the steps. The group performed several different dances, which ranged from graceful, dainty and light, to lively, fun and bouncy, each new dance exemplifying amazing coordination and energy from the dancers.
Following this performance was the arrival of a second special performer, one that has been included in events at the Luckenbooth since the shop first opened their doors. Indeed, all around town echoed the unmistakable notes of bagpipes, expertly played by Joe Ashcraft, a seasoned performer who has spent over 30 years playing his bagpipes for weddings, memorials, funerals, tournaments and other events. Perfectly themed with the inventory of the Luckenbooth, the sound of bagpipes continued to carry well into the evening, marking the arrival of a much-anticipated food truck.
The food truck was owned by 350 Bakehouse & Grill, which specializes in gourmet foods and offered a menu featuring delicious Irish Pub-style food items including corned beef and cabbage, a Dublin grilled cheese, shepherds pie, a lucky smash burger and more. The food truck was stationed in the parking lot of OH Happy Days and the new location of Aveline Boutique, both of which offered extended holiday hours and special holiday deals. Other shops that were open late included Wag the Dog, Etched in Time, Soulshine Vintage, The Luckie Pearl, Beyond Blessed Christian Store, and Monticello Plant Boutique.
The owners of the Avera Clarke House set up a beer station, where they offered green beer to adults in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day.
While the night was still young, another local business, CowHaus Coffee Co, fired up some local karaoke and showcased some delicious St. Patrick's Day beverages off of their March menu as residents continued to sidle around the downtown area, taking in the sights, sounds, smells and overall ambiance of this little Hallmark town.
Second Saturday is an excellent chance for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the many amazing shops, business owners and community that Monticello has to offer. The next Second Saturday event will take place on April 12, so mark your calendar so you don't miss out!