Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
This Saturday, March 11, marks the second Saturday in the month of March. This means that this weekend, the Monticello community will come alive with special talents, treats and shopping opportunities that showcase the best that this small town has to offer!
For many small communities, as well as some large ones, one day out of every month is designated for specific community celebrations. This day often falls on a catchy, easily identified day, such as “first Friday” or “third Thursday,” making it easy to predict for everyone in the community and surrounding areas.
Local cities that neighbor Monticello regularly participate in their own versions, with Tallahassee enjoying “First Fridays” in the Railroad Square Art District as a way to celebrate and encourage the rich local artist community. On the first Friday of every month, rain or shine, local galleries, small businesses and local art vendors create a miniature festival celebrating the local art scene with live music, unique shopping opportunities and great food.
Similarly, nearby Thomasville also hosts a monthly First Friday community event, called First Friday Sip and Stroll, where local residents and visitors passing through can walk down the downtown streets of beautiful Thomasville, enjoying a live concert from local musicians, local shops, restaurants, and the ability to stroll around the scenic streets sipping beer or wine purchased at local businesses. In addition, a collective of local artists gather in the downtown area, displaying and selling their artwork.
Previously, Monticello, despite having a plethora of unique boutiques, shops, restaurants and talented artists, has not had a regular monthly community event. That is, until February of this year, when a group of local business owners and local entrepreneurs got together and brainstormed a way to showcase the amazing people, small businesses and local talent that help make our town so incredible.
Local businesses in the heart of Historical Downtown Monticello have partnered together to form the Monticello Merchants Association, and have pioneered the Monticello Second Saturday Sip and Shop events! This month will be the second event, and guests from far and wide can expect a great turn out of food vendors, extended shop hours for local businesses, Monticello-based vendors and more! This month, there will be karaoke, a bounce house, face painting, a beer tent and more. This event will always be family friendly! As March is the celebratory month for St. Patrick's Day, visitors can expect to enjoy holiday themed festivities offered by vendors, boutiques and shops! (Maybe even a pinch or two if you forget to wear green!)
Even businesses outside of the heart of the Downtown area are participating in the fun! The Jefferson Arts Gallery is hosting the grand opening of their March exhibit on Saturday, to align with all the festivities! Come out to the gallery, located at 575 W. Washington St. for the opening of “Scenes of Nature,” an exhibit of paintings by local artist, Patty Vickers. There will be finger food and refreshments from noon until 4 p.m., and all are welcome.
Additionally, the Avera Clarke House will be hosting a Second Saturdays After Party event, for those who want to continue the fun after the celebration winds down. All are welcome to come out to the beautiful Historical Avera Clarke House, located at 580 W. Washington St., for drinks and good company. The festivities start at 7 p.m.
For those interested in becoming a vendor for future Second Saturday events, contact Vendor Coordinator, Patty Lyke via text message at (315) 224-6114 for more information. Monticello Second Saturdays are dedicated to local vendors only, and MLM (multi-level marketing) vendors, or vendors from neighboring cities will not be accepted.
Monticello is rich in history, talent, hard work and amazing people. Our diverse network of home-grown businesses, family farms, talented artists, and friendly faces makes this truly one of the best places to live. Monticello Second Saturday is all about us! So come on out this weekend and celebrate Monticello!
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