Main Street in Clayton will be the place to be for everyone on the block this Saturday as the community gears up for the Downtown Clayton Block Party Saturday, Aug. 12, from 5-8 p.m. It is organized by the Clayton Merchants and Business Association (CMBA).
Sonya Shook, event coordinator, said the CMBA formed an event committee in February of this year and the Downtown Clayton Block Party is the first big event of the year.
“Sweet Charity’s Playing It Forward” will be rocking on Main Street from 5:30-8 p.m. The five-person band will feature David Bacon on lead guitar and vocals; Karen Bacon on bass guitar and vocals; Greg Presmanes on rhythm guitar and vocals; Stephen DeBlasio on keyboard and vocals; and Bill Lisenby on drums. The group will perform and all fees and tips will go to Boy Scout Troop 6 for help replacing their camping equipment that was damaged earlier this year.
“The Neon Shadows,” an all-girls rock group drummed up by 9 and 10-year-olds, will also play to start the party at 5 p.m. The four-person band is made up of Victoria “Tori” Speed, 10, playing the bass guitar; Kimber “Kimbee” Shurtliff, 10, playing piano and singing vocals; Kate “Pirate” Shurtliff, 9, playing drums; and Izzy “Izzy Pop” Glichowski, 9, playing guitar and singing vocals.
The event will also feature a Cruise-In with old cars lined up along Main Street.
Shook said the cars will line the streets with food trucks and anyone who wants their cars to participate can meet at Ramey Blvd around 4 p.m. until the streets are cleared.
Food trucks will be on site from various restaurants including Lobster Dog; The Shed; Fresco’s Restaurant; Bucket O’ Shrimp; Chill Grill Hibachi; Susie Hooper Funnel Cakes; Kona Ice; and L&B Baking Company. Restaurants along Main Street will be open as well.
Beginning at 3 p.m., North Main Street from Wander North Georgia to the traffic light at The Rock House will be shut down to traffic.
Parking for the event will be available in the city’s gravel parking lot and the green lot on Church Street.
“Most of the stores on Main Street will be open until 8 p.m. with sales and specials, so please bring your family and shop local,” Shook said. “A big ‘thank you’ to all our volunteers and the City of Clayton. And a very special thanks to our sponsors, Reeves Hardware Company; Clayton DDA; Clipper Petroleum; Classic Car Depot; Bethel & Company; Two Sisters Shop and Sole Place.” For additional information, contact Sonya Shook, event coordinator, at 706-782-4253.