For May's First Friday event, Statesboro's talent — specifically in fine arts — will be on display in front of the Bulloch County Courthouse.
The theme is "Fine Arts," sponsored by East Georgia Center for Oral and Facial Surgery. The event, scheduled for 5:30-8 p.m. today, will feature musical performances by students from Statesboro High School, Southeast Bulloch High School and Sallie Zetterower Elementary School.
Lisa Muldrew, the choral director at SHS, coordinates the fine arts performances for May's First Friday.
"It is always an honor to put together these performances each year," she said. "The students really have a great lineup this time around that I'm sure everyone will enjoy."
During First Friday, the Averitt Center for the Arts will put on a performance of "The Velveteen Rabbit," beginning at 7 p.m. Another performance is set for 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for youth. Also, registration for summer youth programs is underway for camps for all ages.
"The Velveteen Rabbit," a production of the Statesboro Youth Theater, tells the story of a stuffed toy rabbit brought to life by a young boy's lasting laugh. The boy disregards the rabbit at first but grows attached to him after losing his favorite toys.
Susan Jackson, who has acted in several Averitt plays, will direct "Rabbit." Children and adults play inanimate objects like trains, boats and other toys that come to life. The show is sponsored by Statesboro ENT and Thigpen, Lanier, Westerfield & Deal CPAs.
In addition to Saturday mornings, the Mainstreet Statesboro Farmers Market will be a part of First Friday beginning today. The market is assembled in Charlie Oliff Square, the Sea Island Bank parking lot named in honor of the longtime bank board member.
And, of course, the courthouse lawn will offer the usual array of activities, including a bounce house provided by Party Harbor and food vendors. Downtown stores and restaurants will also keep their doors open.
Elena McLendon, office manager for Main Street Statesboro, appreciates Statesboro's own contributing to the ever-growing downtown area.
"The businesses downtown add a sense of sophistication to Statesboro's undying historic charm. These entrepreneurs have really transformed downtown into what it is today," McLendon said.
For more information, contact the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority at (912) 764-7227. For more information on the Averitt Center, call (912) 212-2787 or visit the Emma Kelly Theater box office inside the Averitt, at 33 E. Main St., or visit www.averittcenterforthearts.org.