Pumpkin Derby Planned as Part of Pumpkin Daze

 

 Press Release 

Release: Immediate

Contact: Sharon Crosby

Date: October 26, 2020

RE: Pumpkin Derby

 

Coming to Toccoa…Pumpkin Derby

 

Toccoa, GA – October 26, 2020 – Main Street Toccoa is introducing a new event in 2020 called Pumpkin Daze on November 7 in downtown Toccoa from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. This event will have craft vendors, food vendors, games, a cake walk, as well as entertainment. Two of the highlights of the event will be the Pumpkin Decorating Contest and the Pumpkin Derby.

 

Pumpkin Decorating Contest Rules

The pumpkin decorating contest will take place at 11:30am prior to the Pumpkin Derby on Pond St. near the Pumpkin Derby.  Attendees should stand by at 11:00am to be judged, if they would like to participate.

Pumpkins must be decorated beforehand.

Pumpkins will be judged in three different categories: Most Creative, Scariest or Most Whimsical, and Georgia-themed. The winners in each category will receive a $25 gift certificate each to a downtown business of their choice.

 

 

Pumpkin Derby Rules

The Pumpkin Derby will take place from 12:00pm to 2:00pm on Pond St. Sign up for the event will start at 10:00am.

There will be 3 - 4 pumpkins competing at a time. The fastest pumpkin from each heat will compete in the final contest.

Everyone is invited to bring your own decorated pumpkin. Alternatively, you will be able to purchase one at the event. Pumpkins do not need to be decorated.

The grand prize is $100 cash for first place. Second place is a $50 gift certificate to a downtown business of your choice. Third place is a $25 gift certificate to a downtown business of your choice. Each participant will receive a bag of candy.

No attachments or manipulation of the pumpkins will be allowed. Participants will be responsible for their pumpkins after the race.

 

All ages are invited to participate in both contests.

 

Places are still available for vendors. For information call Sharon Crosby at 706-282-3309.

 

Joe Hott to Perform at Pumpkin Daze as Part of Night at the Ritz

 

Press Release

Release: Immediate
Contact: Tami Mayhugh
Date: October 26, 2020
RE: Historic Ritz Theatre Welcomes Joe Hott

Toccoa, GA  October 26 – The weather is getting cooler but the Historic Ritz Theatre is keeping it hot with a free performance by up-and-coming bluegrass performer Joe Hott on Saturday, November 7^th at 2:00pm as part of Main Street Toccoa’s Pumpkin Daze event.

This Night at the Ritz show was originally scheduled for 7:00pm at the theatre.  When Pumpkin Daze was planned, the decision was made to move Hott to the outdoor stage for a free concert for those attending the day-long event.

Joe is a unique blend of retro-bluegrass, traditional country, gospel music and Appalachian mountain music. This mixture makes the West Virginian a rare treasure on today’s music scene with his 6-foot, frame and handsome boyish resemblance to Hank Williams, Sr.  Striding confidentially onto the Nashville music scene, Joe is poised to become a “must see/must hear” new face and voice for a broad scope of new listeners ready to discover that “all things old become new again.”

His debut album The Last Thing on My Mind left little doubt that classic sounds are perennial—and Joe Hott is here to prove it. It would earn him a 2018 Inspirational Country Music Association nomination for “Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year.” Joe would release the single “West Virginia Rail” reaching #1 on the Roots Music Report’s “Top 50 Bluegrass Song’s Chart” and #3 on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay chart. Consequently, he landed a spot on the coveted Rural Rhythm Records releasing his premiere project West Virginia Rail (the album) on the label in 2019. He closed 2019 with the single “Cry From the Cross” which debuted at #1 on Bluegrass Today’s “Gospel Weekly Airplay Chart.” It would go on to rank among the “Top 25 Songs of 2019” on Bluegrass Today’s Gospel Charts.

Our Night at the Ritz series is sponsored in part through generous grants from the Georgia Council for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Please contact Ritz Theatre General Manager Tami Mayhugh at 706-244-0039 or tmayhugh@cityoftoccoa.com with any questions about Ritz events.

                                         

 

 

 

October Open Mic Monday Winner Announced!

 Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Tami Mayhugh, 706.244.0039

Date: October 26, 2020

RE: Historic Ritz Theatre selects October Open Mic Monday Winner

 Toccoa, GA – Some of this areas most talented singer/songwriters came out to the Historic Ritz theatre on October 19^th to compete in our Open Mic Monday singing competition with Carrie Bowen Sams claiming the top spot.

Sams of Clarkesville, GA won over the judges and the audience by playing guitar and singing her two original songs, “The Clearing” and “North Carolina.” In addition to making music, Sams is the children’s pastor at The Pointe Church in Toccoa. Tammy Wilkenson also from Clarkesville, GA, performed her original songs, “Price To Pay” and Time-Out” acapella while Konner Clark of Martin, GA, paid tribute to his long-distance girlfriend with “Still Waiting” and “This One Girl.” 

The next monthly competition is Monday, November 16th at 7pm. The musical category is Country.  Interested performers can sign up by email at tmayhugh@cityoftoccoa.com or at the Historic Ritz Theatre on the evening of the show on a first-come, first-up basis starting at 6pm.

 

Winners from each of the monthly competitions will receive $50 and a paid gig at the summer 2021 Ida Cox Music Festival. Open Mic Monday is a free event to the contestants and to the public.

 

For more information about Open Mic Monday, contact Tami Mayhugh, General Manager, Historic Ritz Theatre at 706.244.0039.

 

                                                                       

                                        

                                                    

Pumpkin Daze is Coming to Toccoa on November 7th!

 Press Release

Release: Immediate

Date: October 19, 2020

Contact: Sharon Crosby

RE: Pumpkin Daze

Pumpkin Daze Coming to Toccoa

Toccoa, GA – October 19, 2020 – Main Street Toccoa will host a special fall event on November 7, 2020 from 10 am. – 4 pm. in downtown Toccoa. This special event is called Pumpkin Daze and will be for the whole family. There will be craft booths, food trucks, live music, a Pumpkin Derby, a pumpkin decorating contest, as well as hayrides.

Entertainment will include; The Dance Studio 11 am – 12 noon, Steve Bryson from 12 noon – 2pm, and Jon Hott will perform bluegrass from 2 pm – 4 pm.

The pumpkin decorating contest will be from 10 a.m. – 12 noon. Winners will be announced just before the Pumpkin Derby. The Pumpkin Derby will go from 12 noon to 2:00 pm. Details for the derby can be found on the Main Street Toccoa website. www.mainstreettoccoa.com Craft booths will be set up throughout the event. Spots for craft vendors are still available and applications  can be found on the Main Street website. Food Trucks and hayrides will be available throughout the day.

While this will be a smaller oriented event downtown, we are still asking folks to wear masks and practice social distancing.

For more information or an application, go online at www.mainstreettoccoa.com or call the Main Street office at 706-282-3309.

Vintage Vixens Set to Perform on October 30th

 

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact: Tami Mayhugh
Date:10/19/,2020

RE: Historic Ritz Theatre Welcomes Vintage Vixens

 

Toccoa, GA  October 18, 2020 – Find your favorite tie-dye shirt and bellbottoms and let the Historic Ritz Theatre take you back to a time of peace, love, and rock-n-roll with the Vintage Vixens on Friday, October 30th at 7:00pm.

Inspired by 60's fashion and rockin' that retro sound, the all-female Vintage Vixens bring a mix of groovy, funky, hippie music to the stage. Their playlist includes covers of the biggest hits from Motown, The Mamas and the Papas, Turtles, Beatles, Rolling Stones, and The Drifters, sprinkled with some favorites from the 70’s as well.   It’s going to be a hit fest of good time, sing-along music. The Quintet includes Amy on guitar/vocals, Janet on keyboard, Carol on drums, Vanessa on lead vocals, and founder Linda on bass.

The Vintage Vixens, a Night at the Ritz performance, is generously sponsored through grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Georgia Council for the Arts.  Tickets for all shows may be purchased online at www.ritztheatretoccoa.com, www.eventbrite.com, or at the box office night of show.   Adults tickets are $10, children under 12 and students with an I.D. are $5. Doors open at 6:15. Due to social distancing guidelines seating is limited to the first one hundred and fifty guests.

 For more information on the Vintage Vixens show or Night at the Ritz, please contact Ritz Theatre General Manager Tami Mayhugh at tmayhugh@cityoftoccoa.com or 706.244.0039.

                                                                               

 

 

When We Last Spoke Returns to the Ritz on October 29th for a Special One-Night Showing

 

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact: Tami Mayhugh 706.244-0039

Date: 10/19/2020

RE: One Night Only Movie Showing

 

TOCCOA, GA, Oct 5, 2020 – In conjunction with Reel Works Studios and Rick Eldridge, the Historic Ritz Theatre will be presenting a one-night-only showing of When We Last Spoke on Thursday, October 29^th at 7pm.

The movie, filmed here in Toccoa is set in 1967, and tells the story of two sisters who are abandoned and raised by their grandparents in the town of Fireside. Humor, heartbreak and triumph are served with whipped cream and lots of local nuts in this heartwarming tale of family, friendship and forgiveness. The movie stars Cloris Leachman, Corbin Bernsen, Melissa Gilbert, and Toccoa locals.

Because of social distancing guidelines the show time will be limited to the first 150 guests. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the theatre and face masks are encouraged.

Tickets for this special showing are $5 and can be purchased online or at the box office night of show. If you have any questions please contact Ritz Theatre General Manager Tami Mayhugh at 706-244-0039 or tmayhugh@cityoftocccoa.com.

                      

 

Open Mic Monday Continues Tonight with Singer/Songwriter!

 

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Tami Mayhugh 706.244.0039

Date: 10/12/2020

RE: Open Mic Monday

The second month of competition for Open Mic Monday

 

Toccoa, GA October 12, 2020 – Do you write the songs that make the whole world sing? Let’s find out at the October Open Mic Monday Singer/Songwriter competition at the Historic Ritz Theatre on Monday, October 12, at 7:00pm.

 

Each month’s competitions will include up to ten performers and spots are filling up fast. Sign up on-line at tmayhugh@cityoftoccoa.com or at the door the night of the show on a first-come, first-up basis, until 6:30pm. Contestants can sing two original songs or perform for ten minutes. A three-judge panel will decide a winner who will not only take home the $50 prize but secures a paid gig at the 2021 Ida Cox Summer Music Series.

 

This fun event is not only free for participants, but also for the public. Come hear some great talent and cheer on your favorites!

 

For more information about Open Mic Monday, contact Tami Mayhugh, General Manager, Historic Ritz Theatre at 706. 244.0039.

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Toccoa Welcomes Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix on October 18th

 

Press Release

Release: Immediate
Contact: Tami Mayhugh
Date: October 12, 2020

RE: Historic Ritz Theatre Welcomes Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix

Toccoa, GA- October 12, 2020   Sit! Stay! Get ready to howl!  Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix are headed to the Historic Ritz Theatre for two fun-filled shows on Sunday, October 18, at 2:00pm and 7:00pm.

Johnny Peers and his personality-plus canines are coming to tickle your funny bone! This show is a slapstick comedy act like no other. Johnny leads over a dozen dogs through challenging and hilarious tricks as Johnny plays the straight man role to their crazy antics.

A Ringling Brothers Clown College graduate, Johnny Peers has been working with dogs since he got his first puppy, Freckles, a Beagle mix, from the Humane Society. Since their 1980 debut, the Muttville Comix have appeared on David Letterman, Primetime Live and Circus of the Stars, and at Disneyland, Busch Gardens, the Big Apple Circus, the Royal Hanneford Circus, and even The White House!

 A show for the whole family and the dog lover in all of us, the show stars mostly dogs rescued from shelters or pounds, like Daphne, the world’s only skateboarding Basset Hound; Squeaky, the ladder climbing Fox Terrier; Mr. Pepe, who only responds to commands in Spanish; and Sir Winston, the Pointer mix who only answers to “Sir.” The 2003 Animal Planet Pet Star Winners, the Providence Journal-Bulletin calls the show, “…a truly funny, slapstick dog act.”

 This Night at the Ritz event is sponsored in part from generous grants from the Georgia Council for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased at the box office night of show or online.  Adults tickets are $10, children under 12 and students with an I.D. are $5. For more information on Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix or Night at the Ritz, please contact Ritz Theatre General Manager Tami Mayhugh at tmayhugh@cityoftoccoa.com or 706.244.0039.

 

Toccoa Celebrates Georgia Cities Week

 

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact: Sharon Crosby

Date: October 6, 2020

RE: Georgia Cities Week

 

Toccoa Officials Celebrate Georgia Cities Week

 

Toccoa, GA October 6, 2020 – During the week of October 4 – 10, Toccoa officials have joined other cities across Georgia in celebrating “Georgia Cities Week”. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Building the 2020 Vision” which reflects the role that cities play in the state’s history, economy and culture.  This week has been set aside to recognize the many services city governments provide and their contribution to a better quality of like in Georgia.

 

“We’re very proud of our city and the services we provide that make it attractive to residents and visitors,” said Toccoa Mayor Terry Carter. “Cities provide the services and infrastructure to help businesses grow and set the stage for events where families and individuals can gather as a community.”

 

The average citizen will have more direct contact with local governments than with state or federal governments. Because of this, city officials feel a responsibility to ensure that the public knows how the city operates and feels connected to their city government. For more information about city services, citizens can go to www.cityoftoccoa.com.

 

To celebrate this week, there will be some fun and informative activities on the Main Street Toccoa Facebook page. 

Sip-n-Stroll Takes Place This Friday!

 

Press Release

Release: Immediate
Contact: Sharon Crosby

Date: 10/5/20
RE: Downtown Toccoa Sip-n-Stroll

 

Downtown Toccoa Sip-n-Stroll

 

TOCCOA, GA – October 5, 2020 – Main Street will host two events in downtown Toccoa on Friday, Oct. 9. The first event is the inaugural Sip-n-Stroll, which will be held from 4 – 7 pm. This event is in coordination with several of the businesses of Downtown Toccoa. Strollers can enjoy their favorite drink samples, deals, special promotions, and music. The second event will follow at 7:00 pm at the Ritz Theatre with a special concert of nationally known bluegrass performer, Edgar Loudermilk.

The downtown businesses that will be participating include: CK Morgan and Company, Angel Oak Home, Downtown Flowers, Details Salon 73 & Spa, X-Factor Grill/Cornerstone, Spa & Salon Anastasia, {ash-ling} Booksellers, Southern Roots Salon, Troup’s, Currahee Overland, WoodMen Life, and Threads. Each will serve a sample drink (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and an appetizer. Many of the stores will have specials as well.

Main Street Toccoa staff will sell “bingo cards” for $10 each the night of the event. The cards will include drinks for the evening and other related items. Visit a certain number of businesses and return the “bingo card” to Main Street staff for a free prize or a free ticket to the Loudermilk concert. The registration table will be located at the speed table on Doyle St.

There will also be live music at three locations during the event. Kayla Beggs will be near Troup’s, Garrett Lott will be near the speed table on Doyle St. and Jackson Rogers will be near Details Salon 73 & Spa.

This event is generously sponsored by the businesses of Historic Downtown Toccoa. Main Street Toccoa encourages the community to come out and #ShopSmall by visiting the local retail businesses downtown that contribute to the quality of life in the community.

For more information about the planned Sip-n-Stroll, please visit the official Event page on the Main Street Toccoa Facebook page or the Main Street office at 706.282.3232

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Edgar Loudermilk Returns to the Ritz

 

Press Release

Release: Immediate
Contact Date October 5, 2020

RE: Historic Ritz Theatre Welcomes the Return of the Edgar Loudermilk Band

Toccoa, GA – October 5, 2020 – Stephens County resident and local favorite  Edgar Loudermilk returns with his band and a special opening act for our Night at the Ritz series at the Historic Ritz Theatre, following the inaugural Downtown Sip-N-Stroll  on Friday, October 9 at 7:00pm.

Loudermilk’s signature voice, bass skills, and songwriting are a family tradition for this Louvin Brothers’ descendant. Having experienced a long tenure of performing, including several industry awards, with IIIrd Tyme Out, Rhonda Vincent, and Marty Raybon, in 2015 he stepped out forming his own band with the highly acclaimed guitarist, Jeff Autry.   In late 2019, Autry took a hiatus from the band due to health reasons.  In 2019, Georgia native and accomplished guitarist Clint Coker joined the Edgar Loudermilk Band.  Rounding out the group are Zack Autry (mandolin/harmony vocals) and Curtis Bumgarner (banjo). The band’s most recent release, “Dark Side of Lonesome” has cracked the top 10 of Sirius XM’s Bluegrass Junction’s Most Played list.

The Farm Jam Youth All-Star Band, the October 2019 Open Mic Monday winner, will open the show. With help and guidance from Loudermilk, the band began performing four years ago at Jaemor Farms.

Night at the Ritz, a regular event series at the Historic Ritz Theatre, is funded  in part, by generous grants  from the Georgia Council for the Arts and the Georgia Endowment for the Arts. Tickets for all shows may be purchased online, or at the theatre box office night of show. Adult tickets are $10, children under 12 are $5, and students with an ID are also $5.

For more information on Edgar Loudermilk’s performance or Night at the Ritz, please contact Ritz Theatre General Manager Tami Mayhugh at tmayhugh@cityoftoccoa.com or 706.244.0039.

                                         

 

 

Reelworks to Show Two Movies at the Ritz in October

 

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact: Tami Mayhugh 706.244-0039

Date: 10/05/2020

RE: One Night Only Movie Showings

 

TOCCOA, GA, Oct 5, 2020 – In conjunction with Reel Works Studios and Rick Eldridge, the Historic Ritz Theatre will be presenting one-night-only showings of The Trump Prophecy and When We Last Spoke, in October.

Join us on Thursday, October 8^th at 7pm for The Trump Prophecy. The movie tells the story of firefighter Mark Taylor, who after suffering years of PTSD, hears a special message from God about change in our nation.

When We Last Spoke, filmed here in Toccoa, will show on Thursday, October 29^th at 7pm. In 1967, two sisters are abandoned and raised by grandparents in the town of Fireside. Humor, heartbreak and triumph are served with whipped cream and lots of local nuts in this heartwarming tale of family, friendship and forgiveness. The movie stars Cloris Leachman, Corbin Bernsen, Melissa Gilbert, and Toccoa locals.

Because of social distancing guidelines each show time will be limited to the first 150 guests. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the theatre and face masks are encouraged.

Tickets for these special showings are $5 and can be purchased online or at the box office night of show. If you have any questions please contact Ritz Theatre General Manager Tami Mayhugh at 706-244-0039 or tmayhugh@cityoftocccoa.com.