The weather was pleasant and so were the people who turned out Thursday for Sip & Stroll in Clarkesville. Nineteen downtown shops participated in the unique community event. Visitors paid $10 for a souvenir cup, two drink tickets, a wrist band and map. They then sipped and strolled their way through downtown, visiting shops and with each other.
Two beer gardens featuring local brews were set up on the square. There was live music and, for those too young to drink, there were snow cones.
This marks the second time Clarkesville has hosted Sip & Stroll. The first time was back in June. It was such a success, says Downtown Economic Development Director Mary Beth Horton, that downtown business owners “begged to bring it back!”
“The goal of the Sip and Stroll is to introduce people to the businesses that maybe they haven’t been into before, maybe they didn’t realize existed before or maybe they were just nervous to approach,” Horton said before the event. “This gives them an excuse to experience something new that maybe they’ll return to later.”
The event kicked off the fall season in Clarkesville. It also offered folks a chance to make money by spending it.
One lucky shopper will win a $100 Visa Gift card. To be eligible they had to spend $20 or more at a downtown business Thursday night and turn in their receipts.
Main Street Clarkesville will draw for the winner on Monday, September 24.
Photos by Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham
