First Friday Returns to Macon This Month And Set To Boost Local Economy

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A crowd favorite is returning to Macon and it’s set to give downtown a big boost.

Friday is the first First Friday of 2012. It is making its return after the city tried to make it a weekly event, but that caused a financial strain on local businesses.

“The entire town becomes a destination,” Timothy Chambliss, the general manager of the Rookery, said.

It’s a destination packed with people from across Middle Georgia to see what downtown Macon has to offer. All the downtown businesses are getting ready for you to come celebrate the end of the work week and spend your money

“I think it’s a huge boost for the businesses,” Chambliss said. “People are traveling, they have to stop to get gas,they have to eat and they want to check out the different fares in Macon.”

The monthly event is returning after NewTown Macon tried hosting Friday Fests which were a weekly version that put a lot of strain on businesses.

“Some of our businesses downtown could not stay open every Friday night because that’s extra resources and staff to stay open later every Friday night,” Kris Hattaway with NewTown Macon said. “More businesses can stay open later one Friday of the month as opposed to every Friday.”

Businesses like the Rookery and the Macon Arts Alliance will keep their doors open later. The owners hope the thousands of people that come to this month’s First Friday will stop by to sample foods from the new menu or check out the latest art exhibit.

“Whether its every Friday or whether it’s the first Friday, the Rookery has enjoyed some additional business from it,” Chambliss said. “It’s been great.”

“The great thing about doing it one night a month is everybody can offer something on that night and this really gives an opportunity to be able to showcase the best of what they do,” Jonathan Dye with the Macon Arts Alliance said.

Even though this is the first First Friday in a year, you can expect food and drink specials, live music and a great time for all.

“It’s a lively, fun, very thriving atmosphere,” Hattaway said.

First Friday kicks off at 4 pm and ends at 10 pm. Some special events include downtown Macon’s newest business, TailsSpin, is hosting Yappy Hour with free dog treats and drinks. There will also be a Ken Ford concert at the Douglass Theatre.

Click here for a full list of events.