Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to show at the Ritz on June 27th

Press Release

Release: Immediate
Contact: Danita Gaudette, 706.244.0039
Date: June 24, 2019
RE: Ritz Presents: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, June 27th , at the Historic Ritz Theatre

TOCCOA, GA, June 24, 2019 – Main Street Toccoa is happy to present the next screening in the Summer movie series, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, on Thursday, June 27th at 10:00 am and 7:00 pm.

The Summer Movies at the Ritz will take place on Thursdays this June and July at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Downtown Toccoa. Showtimes are at 10:00am and 7:00pm, and tickets and concessions are only $1. The remaining screenings will take place on July 5th with First Man (note: this is a Friday); July 11th with BumbleBee; July 18th with The Incredibles 2; and conclude on July 25th with Creed II.

The Main Street Office is happy to answer any questions regarding Summer Movies at the Ritz. Please contact Danita Gaudette at 706.244.0039 for inquiries.

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Night at the Museums to Take Place on June 28, 2019

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact: Sharon Crosby/Main Street Toccoa

Date: June 17, 2019

Re: Night at the Museums June 28

Second Annual Night at the Museums

Toccoa, GA – June 17, 2019 – There aren’t many towns that can claim to have three museums. However, Toccoa Stephens County is one of the few. To spotlight these museums, The Toccoa Stephens County Tourism Committee is hosting a special event that will highlight all three museums; Miles Through Time Automotive Museum, Currahee Military Museum and the Leon and Rachel Gathany Museum of Natural History.  On June 28, the public can watch Night At The Museum 2 at The Historic Ritz Theater (plus one concession) then explore all 3 of the museums for $10 with children under 12 free.

The Miles Through Time Automotive Museum is located at 876 E Currahee Street. It is an automotive museum of classic automobiles, memorabilia and automotive art with over 100 years of automotive history.  There are also cars for consignment and storage at the facility.

The Currahee Military Museum, located at 160 N Alexander, is two museums in one: the Stephens County Museum and the Currahee Military Museum. It is a very unique museum, filled with the history of WWII paratroopers that trained at Camp Toccoa at Currahee Moutain. Its featured exhibit is an original horse stable from Aldbourne, England that was used as housing before and after D-Day 1944 by Able and Easy Companies, 506^th. There are also many displays that show local history as well as the stories of notable citizens who have impacted the community throughout the years.

The Leon and Rachel Gathany Museum of Natural History is located on the Toccoa Falls College campus near Toccoa Falls. The museum has extensive displays of mounted mammals, birds, prehistoric fossils and more. It is also a center for outdoor & environmental education.

The museums will be open from 4pm to 8pm. New this year, the movie will start at 3pm in the historic Ritz Theatre.  Wristbands are available now for purchase at the Welcome Center. This is a $20 value for just $10.

For more information, call the Welcome Center at 706-282-2132.

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Friends of the Ritz Request Your Help

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Keith Kozicki, (404) 434-7705

Date: 6/12/2019

RE: Friends of the Ritz Survey Begins

Toccoa, GA,

Friends of the Ritz, Inc., a new non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for additional programming, marketing and building enhancements at the Historic Ritz Theatre, is asking the public to share their thoughts about the Historic Ritz Theatre by taking the organization’s just-released ten question survey.

The survey questions can be found on the Historic Ritz Theatre website home page, the Historic Ritz Theatre at the Schaefer Center Facebook page, and via email to potential Friends of the Ritz, Inc. members. The Ritz Theatre website address is www.ritztheatretoccoa.com. A direct link is also attached.

“The survey results will help guide our organization as we make future decisions on how best to help the Historic Ritz Theatre achieve its full potential in our community,” says Friend of the Ritz, Inc. President Keith Kozicki. 

The survey asks for input on a variety of practical issues to Ritz Theatre patrons such as upcoming programming preferences, potential ticket pricing options and feedback on possible areas of future theatre enhancements.

According to Friends of the Ritz, Inc. Membership Committee Chair Marie Cochran, “As the Ritz celebrates its 80th year, it is poised to be a destination for the cultural life of longtime residents and newcomers alike. The board needs to hear from a diverse range of 'voices' so that we have a community conversation about its promising future."

The results of the survey will be discussed at the next Friends of the Ritz, Inc. Board meeting on Saturday, June 22^nd at 10 AM at the Historic Ritz Theatre. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Friends of the Ritz, Inc. has been working behind the scenes to benefit Toccoa’s premier arts and entertainment venue and will launch several initiatives which will also be unveiled at the meeting.

The Friends of the Ritz, Inc board members are:

Rucia Adams

Randall Carpenter

Marie Cochran, Membership Committee Chair

Sharon Crenshaw, Secretary

Sharon Crosby, Treasurer

Evan Hellenga

Keith Kozicki, President

Elaine Alewine Martin, Programming Committee Chair

Bill Standard, President-elect

For more information contact Keith Kozicki, President, Friends of the Ritz, Inc. at (404) 434-7705.

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Bill Anderson to Perform at the Ritz on June 28th, 2019

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact: Danita Gaudette, 706.244.0039

Date: June 10, 2019

RE: The Historic Ritz Theatre Welcomes Whisperin’ Bill Anderson

Toccoa, GA – June 10, 2019 - Main Street Toccoa is pleased to announce the performance of country music legend Whisperin’ Bill Anderson at the Ritz Theatre on Friday, June 28^th at 7pm.

Bill Anderson is country music royalty with a soft vocal style that’s instantly recognizable on country music airwaves. He is best known for hit songs like “Po’ Folks,” “Mama Sang a Song,” “The Tips of My Fingers,” “8x10” and the unforgettable country and pop smash, “Still.”  As a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Songwriters Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame, Bill is the only known songwriter in the history of country music to achieve an entry on the country charts for seven consecutive decades, and was the first recipient of the BMI Icon Award.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.ritztheatretoccoa.com or at the Toccoa Welcome Center. VIP tickets are $45 and General Admission is $30. Ticket prices at the box office on performance night will be $50 for VIP and $35 for General Admission.    

For more information on the performance, please contact Ritz Theatre General Manager Danita Gaudette at dgaudette@cityoftoccoa.com or via phone at 706.244.0039.

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Roadhouse Jukebox to Perform at Ida Cox on June 15th

Press Release

Release:  Immediate

Contact:  Sharon Crosby

Date: June 7, 2019

Regarding: Roadhouse Jukebox at Ida Cox Music Series

Toccoa, GA, June 7, 2019 – The group Roadhouse Jukebox will be this week’s featured band at the Ida Cox Music Series from 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 pm.

This newly formed group will play some early Rock 'n Roll and some Rockabilly but the focus will be more on the songs of Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, early Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Jonny Cash, etc. The kind of music that is currently popular on Willie's Roadhouse on Sirius/XM.

 Local singer and songwriter, Carrie Bowen, will perform from 7:00 – 8:00. There will be two food trucks there from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. as well as the x-Factor Grill being open.

 The Ida Cox Music Series, named after famed Toccoan Blues musician, Ida Cox, features free music in Downtown Toccoa every Saturday in June, July, and August. The music starts at 7:00pm and the series lasts until approximately 10:00pm each Saturday night. Bring a lawn chair to Downtown Toccoa and enjoy live music, food, and drink in a relaxing atmosphere.  If there is inclement weather, the concert will be moved into the Ritz Theatre.

                                                        

                                                  

Ralph Breaks the Internet Continues the Summer Movie Event Series

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact:  Danita Gaudette, 706.244.0039

Date: June 6, 2019

RE: Ritz Presents: Ralph Breaks the Internet, June 13^th, at the Historic Ritz Theatre

TOCCOA, GA, June 6, 2019 – Main Street Toccoa is happy to announce the next showing of the Summer movie series, Ralph Breaks the Internet, on Thursday, June 13^th  at 10:00 am and 7:00 pm.

The Summer Movies at the Ritz will take place on Thursdays this June and July at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Downtown Toccoa. Showtimes are at 10:00am and 7:00pm. Tickets and concessions are only $1. The remaining screenings will take place on June 20^th with Lego Movie 2; June 27^th with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse; July 5^th with First Man (note: this is a Friday); July 11^th with BumbleBee; July 18^th with The Incredibles 2; and conclude on July 25^th with Creed II. 

The Main Street Office is happy to answer any questions regarding Summer Movies at the Ritz. Please contact Danita Gaudette at 706.244.0039 for inquiries.

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ThunderGypsy to Perform at Ida Cox

Press Release

Release:  ImmediateContact:  Sharon CrosbyDate: June 4, 2019Regarding: Thunder Gypsy at Ida Cox Music Series

Toccoa, GA, June 4, 2019 – The group THUNDER GYPSY will be featured at the second concert of the 2019 season of the Ida Cox Music Series on June 8 from 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 pm.

The group was conceived during a chance encounter in 2013 and one year later, formed Thunder Gypsy. And they have been captivating audiences ever since! Thunder Gypsy plays Soul Stirrin', Blues Rockin' music - an eclectic mix that spans the decades. The spirit of the Gypsies is evident in their music. By taking many familiar songs and intensifying the arrangements, Thunder Gypsy has been mesmerizing Atlanta audiences since its inception.  

In August 2017, Thunder Gypsy competed in and won the Atlanta Blues Challenge and from there, they went on to participate in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN where they played on the legendary stage at B.B. King's Blues Club.  Between the Atlanta challenge and the IBC in Memphis, they moved into the recording studio and pumped out their self-titled Debut album.

 Thunder Gypsy is comprised of Ken Williams on Drums, Richard Price on Guitar, Paul Allison on Keyboard/Organs and Heather Statham on vocals.  

Local favorite, Conrad Moore will perform from 7:00 – 8:00. There will be two food trucks there from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. as well as the x-Factor Grill open.

 The Ida Cox Music Series, named after famed Toccoan Blues musician, Ida Cox, features free music in Downtown Toccoa every Saturday in June, July, and August. The music starts at 7:00pm and the series lasts until approximately 10:00pm each Saturday night. Bring a lawn chair to Downtown Toccoa and enjoy live music, food, and drink in a relaxing atmosphere.  If there is inclement weather, the concert will be moved into the Ritz Theatre.

Toccoa Train Day Scheduled for June 15

Press Release

June 4, 2019

Contact: Sharon Crosby

706-282-3309

Toccoa Train Day 

Toccoa, GA, June 4, 2019 – Once again this year, the City of Toccoa will be welcoming the Amtrak Crescent Line at 6:15 a.m. on June 15. This is the ninth year that the city will be celebrating Toccoa Train Day. City officials, and citizens will welcome the train as it stops in Toccoa on its way to Atlanta.  They will then get on the train and distribute information about Toccoa to the train riders.

There will be added events this year for the whole family. Local train fans are invited to set up their train displays in the Mitchell Allen Room at the Currahee Military Museum starting at 8:00 am. The doors will open to the public at 10:00 a.m. Please contact Sharon Crosby at the Main Street office (706-282-3309) if you are interested in setting up a display.

At 12:00 noon, children are invited to the Toccoa Railway Viewing Platform on Foreacre St. to ride Papa’s Little Choo-choo. The rides will be free and there will be giveaways for the children.

The classic action packed movie, “The Great Locomotive Chase”, filmed in Habersham and Rabun Counties, will be shown at the Ritz Theatre at 3:00 p.m. The story takes place during the Civil War, and Union spy James J. Andrews is on a top-secret mission: to steal a Confederate train outside of Atlanta and take it back to Union territory in Tennessee, using it to sabotage and destroy Confederate supply routes along the way. But the train's conductor is on to Andrews and is determined to try his best to throw a wrench in the Union spy's plans before he delivers the train to his fellow soldiers. Doors will open at 2:30. Admission and all concessions are $1.

AM630 WNEG Radio will broadcast live as the train arrives. A drawing for several prizes including round trip tickets to Atlanta, will be held at the event. Attendees can register that morning at the depot.  

“Not only does the Train Day celebration help focus on the importance of the railroad to our community, it highlights the opportunities it presents today. We continue to promote Amtrak travel as a relaxing way to visit Toccoa,” states Sharon Crosby, Special Events Coordinator. Each year more than 3,000 travelers come to Toccoa on the train.

The Crescent Line travels through more states – including the District of Columbia – than any other Amtrak route.  Offering daily service, the 1,377 - mile route travels from New York’s Penn Station to the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal in 30 hours, stopping in 33 communities along the way.

                                       

Phase II Wayfinding Signage Project Completed Downtown

Press Release

From: Christian Hamilton, Main Street Manager
Date: June 4, 2019
Release: Immediate
RE: Main Street Toccoa Completes Phase II of Downtown Wayfinding Signage

TOCCOA, GA – June 4, 2019 – Main Street Toccoa is proud to announce that Phase II of Downtown Wayfinding Signage has been completed in Historic Downtown Toccoa.

In 2018, the Georgia Department of Economic Development awarded Main Street Toccoa grant funding to continue its downtown wayfinding signage project, which began in 2016. There are now six new additional signs installed in the central business district: One at the corner of Alexander Street & Doyle Street, one at the intersection of Sage Street & Doyle Street, one near the intersection of Tugalo Street & Sage Street, one at the intersection of Pond Street & Foreacre Street, one at the corner of Sage Street & Foreacre Street, and one near the intersection of Sage Street & Currahee Street.

These wayfinding signs will help lead residents and visitors alike to tourism destinations in Downtown Toccoa. Since 2016, the Georgia Department of Economic Development has awarded Tourism Product Development grant funding for both phases of the downtown wayfinding signage program, for a downtown railway viewing platform, and to assist Tugaloo Bend Heritage Site with an outdoor kitchen. “We are exceedingly thankful to the State for their willingness to not only help us visualize how to market our tourism assets in Toccoa, but to provide us the funding to make these projects a reality,” said Main Street Manager Christian Hamilton. “We always enjoy working with the Georgia Department of Economic Development in promotion of our great community and look forward to future partnerships.”

For more information on this and other projects, please contact the Main Street Office at 706.898.5777.

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