AMERICUS — On Friday, July 5th, Americus will hold its monthly “First Friday” downtown-wide open house. This month’s First Friday is a “Beach Party!” Continue the summer festivities with the family in beautiful downtown Americus at the beach. Downtown merchants will offer discounts, samples, giveaways, and more! Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with most shops and businesses staying open until 8 p.m. “First Friday After Dark” continues the festivities into the night after 8 p.m.

Everyone is invited to come experience the city’s art, music, food, wares, and crafts. The Americus Street Trolley will provide attendees transportation during the event. The trolley will make a loop of the event and is provided by Americus Main Street, free of charge. All activities, exhibits and performances are free of charge. Americus Main Street will be providing free cold water at the beach party for all attendees, while supplies last. Also, Main Street invites you to come out and enjoy the sounds of Andy T and his steel drums! Italian Ice of Thomasville will be at the beach with cold ice treats to keep you cool. 2LC Bakery will be at the beach with goodies and Sustainable Sumter will be there providing information on their new non-profit organization. Maps and playbills detailing the evening’s events will be available at participating locations. More information can be found on the Downtown Americus — Main Street Facebook page.

Attendees can enjoy shopping discounts, food samples, and specials at the following businesses: Three’s Company Too, The Maze, The Kinnebrew Co., Café Campesino, Love at First Sight Ultrasound & Boutique, and the Americus Visitor Center. The Huss Foundation will host an “Art in the Mundane” show of work by local artist, Thomas Weber. Enjoy food and drink specials during Happy Hour at Floyd’s Pub in the Windsor Hotel. Xpert Gaming & Computer Shop will have virtual reality gaming!

Eat, drink, shop, and listen to live music Friday night in downtown Americus! Purchase an alcoholic beverage from any restaurant in downtown that serves and ask about the “Cocktail Caddy!” Americus Main Street will provide special cups to those restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages which will allow attendees the opportunity to walk around downtown during the event beginning at 5 p.m.

Americus Main Street thanks Servpro of Albany & Americus for being the presenting sponsor for the Beach Party. Servpro will be set up at the beach with free cold water, free glow sticks for the kids, free leis, a photo frame for photos at the beach, and so much more. This event is organized by Americus Main Street and the City of Americus. One of the goals of our organization is to cultivate downtown Americus’ economic and cultural enrichment by providing a platform for entertainment and social engagement to the general public on a regular basis.