The Downtown Development Authority's "F1rst Friday Downtown" returns to Main Street this evening, and, like budding tree leaves and St. Patrick's Day celebrators this month, will "go all green."

First Friday events are slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. on the Statesboro Courthouse lawn, and include green foods, activities and displays.

"First Friday is an event we do to try to get people come downtown, have some fun and be entertained," said Allen Muldrew, director of the Authority. "This Friday's events are brand new. We have never tried them before."

Thanks to the efforts of local businesses and organizations, the second First Friday of the year will "go green" in both a literal and figurative sense, said Muldrew.

The event will offer green cards, which allow merchant discounts and access to special deals, green grits, green tea, green pudding and green popcorn, as well as booths and programs to encourage environmental sustainability.

"We are going to play some Irish music outside, and downtown businesses will be offering special deals," said Muldrew. "It is going to be fun. There will be interactive games and a moon-bounce for kids. Also, prizes will be given away."

Along with the food, craft and entertainment vendors, First Friday will host the kick-off of Statesboro's own "Biggest Loser" challenge - citizens can assemble five-person teams and enter the contest run by Fit 4 Life by Sheila.

People can also walk to the Averitt Center for the Arts, which has partnered with the Downtown Development authority, for evening programs.

"We try to partner with the Averitt Center on our First Fridays," said Muldrew. "People can come, have fun on the outside and then go inside for the special events Averitt is offering."

Friday marks the opening of two new exhibits at the center.

Greg Mort's The Art of Stewardship exhibit features a "green" theme and promotes environmental sustainability. An opening reception will be held at 7 p.m. and feature a book-signing by the author. All proceeds from purchases of Mort's book will be donated to the Averitt Center.

The center also will also host a Youth Gallery, featuring work from Statesboro and Southeast Bulloch High School students, on its third floor.

At 7:30 p.m. a production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" will be shown in the Emma Kelly Theater. Tickets are $10.

All First Friday events are scheduled to run until 8 p.m.
Ultimately, said Muldrew, First Friday is an attempt to have citizens visit and enjoy downtown Statesboro.

"[First Friday] is a great family event. I am really excited about it," he said. "It is a three hour event and provides an opportunity to get out of the house, come downtown and do something that is fun and free."

Jeff Harrison can be reached at 912-489-9454.