Downtown Atlanta has a busy Fall lineup

The Atlanta Merchants Association (AMA) has no stronger downtown presence than in the Fall. This year may be different, depending on the COVID-19 situation come November, but there are plenty of other activities planned before the Holiday season kicks in.

On Sept. 17, the 903 Artisans will be holding the Third Thursday Artwalk. Artists will be displaying their work in and around downtown businesses.

The Annual Fall Scarecrow Days will be in full swing until September 22. Each business will decorate a scarecrow right outside their door to be judged.

During the entire month of October, the AMA will hold Virtual Pop-Up Shops at various member businesses. Each event will consist of a Facebook Live featuring special sale items.

The second Maker’s Market event will be held October 17 in Woods Park. Artisans, crafters and growers may purchase space to peddle their wares. Qualifying vendors must have items that are deemed homemade, handmade or homegrown from within a 50 Mile radius to Atlanta, TX. For booth info, email miranda.johnson@atlantatexas.org or stop by the Chamber of Commerce office at 101 N. East Street to pick up an application. ALL vendors must be pre-approved, no walk-ins allowed on event day.

The annual 5K Glow Run will take place on October 24, beginning and ending in downtown Atlanta. It falls just one weekend before Halloween this year, so they’ve added a GLOWING Pumpkin Contest and a MONSTER MILE Costume Fun Run! To register: https://runsignup.com/letsglowforarun.

The AMA meets every month at the Chamber of Commerce office to plan events and update members. Current President Ted Brabham explained the group is a rebirth of the past organization that became inactive years ago.

“We work with the Chamber to plan events that would bring people to the downtown area,” said Brabham. “We aren’t incorporated – it is strictly a privately funded group of local business owners.”

The AMA is responsible for the annual Hometown Christmas celebration. This year the AMA has secured the same elements as last year, including the animals and snow to play in. According to secretary Krystl Dawn, they are still waiting to see if the COVID-19 guidelines will still be in place.

Other board members of the AMA include: The Honorable Becky Wilbanks – treasurer; Judy Pitts – vice president; Tammy Head, Curt Bates, Rick Blackwood and Terri Rutland.