Main Street News Now on Official Website

 City of Toccoa Website Now Features News Items

As of December 7, 2021, all news for the Main Street Toccoa program may be found on the Latest News item for the official City of Toccoa website.

Check out our new website at www.mainstreettoccoa.com.

November Open Mic Monday Winner Announced

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Tami Mayhugh, 706.244.0039

Date: November 19, 2021

RE: November Country Music Open Mic Monday Winner

 Toccoa, GA – Country Music night at Open Mic Monday did not disappoint. Undra Smith took home the win in the November competition at the Historic Ritz Theatre.

Smith, from Gainesville, GA, performed two classics, Paint Me a Birmingham by Tracy Lawrence and Don’t Close Your Eyes by Keith Whitley, wowing the audience and the judges. The final competition of 2021 takes place on Monday, December 20^th.  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, a paid gig at the summer 2022 Ida Cox Music Festival and one hour free studio time at Diamond Studios. 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.

Christmas Movies Begin in December

 

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact:  Tami Mayhugh, 706-244-0039

Date: 11/19/21

RE: 2021 Christmas Movies at the Ritz

TOCCOA, GA, November 19, 2021 – Let the Historic Ritz Theatre get you in the holiday spirit with the return of our Christmas movies starting December 2nd.

Join us on Thursday, December 2nd, 9^th, and 16^th at 10am and 7pm to watch three of our favorite Christmas movies; Saving Santa, Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors, and Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws. All movies and concessions are just $1 each.

If you have any questions please contact Ritz Theatre General Manager Tami Mayhugh at 706- 244-0039 or tmayhugh@cityoftoccoa.com.

 

                                                                   

 

 

SouthEastern Young Artists to Perform at Ritz in December

 

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Tami Mayhugh 706.244.0039

Date: 11/15/21

RE: Open Mic Monday

SouthEastern Young Artists

Toccoa, GA- November 15, 2021- After a one year postponement, SouthEastern Young Artists with Benjamin Kronk will be making their debut at the Historic Ritz Theatre on Saturday, December 4^th at 7pm.

SouthEastern Young Artists brings Grammy nominees, soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestral players from across the US and Canada to perform exceptional chamber music to underserved areas in North Georgia from the concert hall to the home.

 

This Night at the Ritz performance will feature Benjamin Kronk –violin, Nicholas Lindell –violin, Erin Patterson – cello, Jason Pegis – cello, Grant Rieke – viola, and Henry Jenkins – viola. Our Night at the Ritz Series is sponsored in part through grants received from the Georgia Council for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.   

 

For more information about SouthEastern Young Artists or any Night at the Ritz performance, contact Tami Mayhugh, General Manager, Historic Ritz Theatre at 706. 244.0039.

                                                         

Small Business Saturday Scheduled for November 27, 2021

Press Release

Date: November 9, 2021
Release: Immediate
Contact: Christian Hamilton, 706.898.5777
RE: Small Business Saturday Takes Place on November 27^th, 2021

TOCCOA, GA – November 9, 2021 – Instead of shopping Big Box this holiday season, your friends at Main Street Toccoa encourage you to shop small – as in small business. This year, on November 27^th, 2021, save some room on your shopping lists and visit Downtown Toccoa to support your friends and families in the community that own or operate a small business downtown.

Main Street Toccoa is looking forward to once again participating in Small Business Saturday, an annual event hosted by the Small Business Association, Main Street America, and American Express. On November 27^th, Downtown Toccoa will be filled with cheer as our downtown businesses receive guests shopping for the busy Christmas season.

From 12:00pm – 2:00pm, Toccoa’s very own Kayla Beggs will be performing an acoustic concert near the downtown speed table. Main Street Toccoa will also host a drawing. For every $20 you spend in participating businesses, you will receive one entry into the drawing. It’s as simple as shopping at each business and filling out the entry forms before you leave. Following Small Business Saturday, Main Street Toccoa will announce the winner of the drawing, who will receive a $500 cash prize.

“Small Business Saturday reminds us that the small brick-and-mortar storefronts in our community are the lifeblood of our business climate,” said Main Street Manager Christian Hamilton. “For every dollar spent at a small business in the United States, 67 cents of that stays right here. You won’t see that kind of return online or at a big box retail store. This is a great opportunity to rally behind and support Downtown as the heart and soul of Toccoa.”

Please call Christian Hamilton, Main Street Manager, at 706.898.5777 or reach him via email at chamilton@cityoftoccoa.com with any queries.

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Open Mic Monday Scheduled for November 15th at 7pm

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Tami Mayhugh 706.244.0039

Date: 11/9/21

RE: Open Mic Monday

Country Music Competition Open Mic Monday

Toccoa, GA November 9, 2021 –“So turn it on, turn it up, and sing along. This is real. This is your life in a song. Yeah, this is country music.”  The next Brad Paisley might be discovered at the Historic Ritz Theatre at our third Open Mic Monday country music competition on November 15th at 7pm.

 

Any interested performers can sign up online at tmayhugh@cityoftoccoa.com  or at the theatre the night of the show before 6:30. Contestants can perform two songs or for ten minutes. Any pre-recorded music must be brought on a jump drive. The night’s winner will receive a$50 cash prize, a paid gig at the 2022 Ida Cox Summer Music Series, and an hour of free recording time at Diamond Studios.

 

The public is invited to come out and enjoy a night of great music and support local entertainers. As always, it is free to participate and free to watch!

 

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

                                                                         

Festival of Trees Scheduled

 

News Release

 

Release:  Immediate

Re:          2021 Festival of Trees

Date:       November 4, 2021

Contact:  Sharon Crosby

2021 Festival of Trees

Tocccoa, GA – November 5, 2021 –Once again this year, Main Street Toccoa is working together with local businesses and organizations to help non-profits through the Festival of Trees on December 3. This event, in its 12^th year, offers opportunities to help raise money for the non-profits and charities in the community.

Businesses, civic groups, schools, individuals, families, or non-profit organizations are invited to decorate and display a tree.  The trees will be on display Friday, December 3, from 5 pm – 9 pm. The public will vote on their favorite Christmas tree for one dollar a vote.  All proceeds will go to a non-profit organization which is designated by the designer. The tree with the highest amount earned will receive the Grand Prize of $500 for the non-profit organization they represent.

Entries are still being taken. Applications can be found at www.mainstreettoccoa.com. “This is a great way for our local businesses to show their support for those doing a wonderful service in our community,” stated Sharon Crosby, Special Events Coordinator for Toccoa.

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

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Ritz Rentals Coming Up in November

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Tami Mayhugh, 706.244.0039

Date: October 29, 2021

RE: Rental shows at the Ritz

  Toccoa, GA – Our Night at the Ritz Series is off to a great start, but our Ritz Rentals are in full swing in November.

On Friday, November 5^th, former American Idol contestant and Georgia Native, Clay Page will perform at 7pm.  Our favorite Neil Diamond Tribute Band, Cherry Cherry, will be here on Friday, November 19^th with a crowd pleasing holiday show.  That same weekend, Ultimate Elvis, David Lee and Cote Deonath will be back at the Ritz for their fourth year in a row with two shows. Catch them on Saturday, November 20 at 7pm or Sunday, November 21^st at 2:30pm.

Tickets for these great shows are available at www.ritztheatretoccoa.com and are presented by private sponsors and are not a part of our Night at the Ritz Series.

For more information contact Tami Mayhugh, General Manager, Historic Ritz Theatre at 706.244.0039.

44th Annual Harvest Festival Scheduled for Saturday, October 30th and Sunday, October 31st

Press Release

Release:  Immediate/Harvest Festival                      

Date:   Oct. 26, 2021

Contact: Sharon Crosby

Email:  scrosby@cityoftoccoa.com                                                                            

TOCCOA, GA - The 44th annual Toccoa Harvest Festival will be held Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31, 2021. The event will boast some 125+ vendors.

There will be local crafters as well as crafters from nearby communities in Northeast, Middle and South Georgia, and South Carolina, and as far away as Florida, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Types of crafts being sold at the event include handmade quilts, soaps, fountains, jewelry, wooden furniture, wooden accessories, and wooden toys, baskets, pottery, crocheted items, Christmas decorations, wreaths, jellies, pickles, candles, children's clothing, bottle wind chimes, aprons, birdhouses, a variety of baked goods, painted gourds, folk art, blankets, pillows, neck pillows, and painted glass.

There are two entertainment stages as well as a car show on Saturday. The entertainment at Stage 1, located on Tugalo St and Sage St will begin at 10:00 am.

Saturday Schedule at Stage 1

10:00 a.m.         Toccoa Falls College Choir                                              

11:00 a.m.          Bittersweet Band 

1:00 p.m.           The Splitz Band

3:00 p.m.           Belly Dancers

3:30 p.m.           Andrew Dixon and Band 

Sunday Schedule at Stage 1

12:00                   Steve Coughlin               

2:00                     The Dance Studio

3:00                     The Bittersweet Band

The Stephens County Recreation Department is sponsoring the car show as well as the entertainment for Stage 2. It will be located at Hill St and Doyle St. Diamond Studios will be sponsoring Sunday’s entertainment at Stage 2.

Saturday Schedule at Stage 2

10:30             SCRD (NGYFA) 7U Cheerleaders with Coach Hayley Rider &

                      Briana Beatty

11:00               SCRD (NGYFA) 9-10 Cheerleaders with Coach April Crunkleton

                       & Lauren Kirkland

11:15               SCRD (NGYFA) 11-13 Cheerleaders with Coach Ashley Griffin &

                        Hope Pittman 

11:45               Mark Putt “Musician”

12:15              Jake Cheek “Musician & Song Writer”

1:00                Terry “Flash” Young & Dusty Vinson

3:00 – 5:00     Andi Banks 

Sunday Schedule at Stage 2

12:00           Secret Sparrows

1:00             Daniel Profetta 

2:00             Casey Scott

3:00            Asher LaTurno

There will be activities for children which include a very special puppet show on Saturday from 1- 4 and Carrie McQueen, a stilt walker on Sunday. The Currahee Artist Guild will host an art show and sale on Saturday and Sunday on Doyle Street. For information go to www.mainstreettoccoa.com.            

Open Mic Monday Winners Announced

 

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Tami Mayhugh, 706.244.0039

Date: October 25, 2021

RE: Historic Ritz Theatre selects September & October Open Mic Monday Winners

  Toccoa, GA – The first two competitions for Open Mic Monday are in the books with Asher Laterno winning our September contest and Jim Harper taking home the prize this month.

Laterno, a student at Toccoa Falls College performed The Script’s “Break Even” and “Need the Sun to Break,” by James Bay for the Pop/Rock competition.  Harper, a Texas native, wowed the crowd and the judges with his two original songs, “I’m Not Worried” and “Down a Country Road” to clinch the win in the Singer/Songwriter category.  Our next competition is Monday, November 15th  at 7pm and will feature Country Music.  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 2022 Ida Cox Music Festival and one hour free studio time at Diamond Studios. 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.                               

Ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger to Appear at the Ritz

 

                                                                   Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact:  Tami Mayhugh, 706.244.0039

Date: October 18, 2021

 

RE: Ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger to appear at the Ritz

TOCCOA, GA, October 18, 2021, – Spend Sunday afternoon, November 7^th  with comedienne and ventriloquist Lynn Trefger, along with an endless cast of characters, at the Ritz Theatre for a hilarious, family-friendly Night at the Ritz show beginning at 2pm.

Audiences will be treated to Lynn's vocal illusion talents, when they meet a drunken but lovable camel, a cantankerous old man, a feisty little girl, and even audience members brought on stage! Lynn has appeared on Star Search, TNN, VH-1, Lifetime, and Comedy Central. She is featured in the comedy/documentary, "I'm No Dummy" produced by NBC Universal.

Our Night at the Ritz Series is funded in part by generous grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Georgia Council for the Art, and South Arts. Tickets for all shows may be purchased online or at the theatre box office night of show.  Adult tickets are $10, children 12 and under and students with an ID are $5. 

For more information on this performance or Night at the Ritz, please contact Ritz Theatre General Manager Tami Mayhugh at tmayhugh@cityoftoccoca.com or via phone 706.244.0039. 

Open Mic Monday Scheduled for October 18th at 7pm

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Tami Mayhugh 706.244.0039

Date: 10/11/21

RE: Open Mic Monday

Singer/Songwriter Open Mic Monday Competition Set for 10/18/21

Toccoa, GA- October 11 ,2021 –Do you write the songs that make the whole world sing? If so, join us Monday, October 18th at 7pm for our Open Mic Monday Singer/Songwriter Competition at the Historic Ritz Theatre.

Our October competition will feature all original material from each contestant. Sign up is 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 songs or perform for ten minutes. Any pre-recorded music must be on a jump drive. A three-judge panel will decide a winner who will not only take home the $50 prize but secures a paid gig at the 2022 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.

Costume Parade Scheduled for October 29th

Downtown Costume Parade

The Toccoa Main Street program will host the 30^th annual children's Costume Parade, Friday, October 29, 2021. Children will begin lining up at 9:30 a.m. as the parade begins at 10:00 a.m.

There will be two lines for the parade. The two lines will start at the corner of Doyle St and Alexander St. Those with homemade costumes, who would like to be judged, will be in one line and those who would not like to be judged will form the outside line. Prizes will be awarded in various categories for ages 2 and below, 3, and 4 and above.   For those wanting to be judged, parents or guardians will fill out a form with the child’s name, age, and contact information clearly marked to help the judges. Prizes will be awarded in several categories.

The parade route will go down Doyle Street through the center of the downtown. The children will assemble on West Doyle Street, in front of Details Salon 73, and continue to form the line along the sidewalk at West Doyle Street.  The children will walk down West Doyle and cross the street at Sage Street, and then continue down Doyle Street to Family Eye Care. They will then cross over to the other side and continue down the sidewalk to Sage Street.  Merchants will meet the children along the way and give them goodies. The parade events should be over by approximately 11:30 a.m. Refreshments will be served at the corner of Sage St. and Doyle St. and the awards given out. 

Edgar Loudermilk Band to Perform on October

 

Press Release

Release: Immediate
Contact Date: October 4, 2021

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

Toccoa, GA – October 4, 20201– Stephens County resident and local favorite Edgar Loudermilk, returns with his band for a Night at the Ritz at the Historic Ritz Theatre, on Friday, October 8th 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.

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.

 

Linda Davis Scheduled to Perform September 30th

                                                                 Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact:  Tami Mayhugh, 706.244.0039

Date: September 27, 2021

 

RE: Linda Davis: An Evening in the Round kicks off Currahee Military Weekend

TOCCOA, GA, September 27, 2021, – Does she love us like we love her? Yes she does. Linda Davis, along with her husband Lang Scott and Bill Whyte, will return to Toccoa on Thursday, September 30th at 7pm to kick off the start of Currahee Military Weekend at the Historic Ritz Theatre.

Three of Nashville’s most talented singer/songwriters bring a little taste of Music City to Toccoa when they perform an “Evening in the Round.”  This will be the third year for the trio to bring their “Evening In the Round” show, which is a combination of music, story-telling, and comedy to the theatre. The intimate night of acoustic music, starring three-time Grammy award winners Davis and Scott along with award-winning songwriter Bill Whyte, will be injected with hits, humor, a whole lot of down home appeal, and a nod to our military.

Our Night at the Ritz Series is funded in part by generous grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Georgia Council for the Art, and South Arts. Tickets for all shows may be purchased online or at the theatre box office night of show.  Adult tickets are $10, children 12 and under and students with an ID are $5. 

For more information on this performance or Night at the Ritz, please contact Ritz Theatre General Manager Tami Mayhugh at tmayhugh@cityoftoccoca.com or via phone 706.244.0039. 

 

Fall Sip-n-Stroll Scheduled

 

Press Release

Release: Immediate
Contact: Sharon Crosby

Date: 9/20/2021

RE: Downtown Toccoa Sip-n-Stroll

 

Fall Downtown Toccoa Sip-n-Stroll

 

TOCCOA, GA – September 20, 2021– Main Street Toccoa, in coordination with the businesses of Downtown Toccoa, is pleased to announce that the third Downtown Toccoa Sip-n-Stroll will be held on October 8 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Strollers can enjoy their favorite drink samples, deals, special promotions, and music and then attend a special concert at the Ritz Theatre with Edgar Loudermilk at 7:00 p.m.

Participating businesses will provide a drink special sample (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), appetizers, special deals, giveaways, and more. Live music will be offered during the evening.

Main Street Toccoa staff will sell “signature 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 “signature card” to Main Street staff for a free prize.

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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Open Mic Monday Begins on September 20th with Pop/Rock

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Tami Mayhugh 706.244.0039

Date: 9/13/21

RE: Open Mic Monday

Season 5 of Open Mic Monday Begins 9/20/21

Toccoa, GA- September 13,2021 – If you love to sing that old time rock n roll, make your way to the Historic Ritz Theatre on Monday, September 20, 7pm for the Season Five kick-off of Open Mic Monday.

Our first competition begins with the category of Pop/Rock. Each month up to ten contestants can perform. Sign up is 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 songs or perform for ten minutes. Any pre-recorded music must be on a jump drive. A three-judge panel will decide a winner who will not only take home the $50 prize but secures a paid gig at the 2022 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.

                                                                                

Night at the Ritz: Season Five Begins on September 10th.

Press Release

 

Release: Immediate

Contact: Tami Mayhugh, 706.244.0039

Date: September 3, 2021

RE: Season 5 Night at the Ritz begins September 10th

Toccoa, GA September 3 – Are you ready for those country roads to take you home or feel some sunshine on your shoulders? Then join us Friday, September 10^th at 7pm when, Jim Curry presents the Music of John Denver, kicks off Season 5 of Night at the Ritz at the Historic Ritz Theatre.

Jim Curry is not your usual “Vegas style” impersonator. In fact, he is not an impersonator at all. Jim sings, in his own natural voice, a tribute to the music in a way that has to be seen and heard to understand the pure honesty of his amazing performance. His looks and his voice are simply a pleasant coincidence that captures the true essence of John Denver’s music. Curry’s heartfelt delivery rolls out into the crowd as multi-platinum hits like “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song” and “Calypso” fill the room. “Take me Home Country Roads” gave America a new lift abroad as well as at home. People all over the world found pride in the natural wonders of the earth and love for John’s message of caring for our planet and each other. Jim has created the ultimate tribute experience and has emerged as the top performer of John Denver’s music today.

Our Night at the Ritz performances are sponsored in part through generous grants from The Georgia Council for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ritztheatretoccoa.com. Please contact Ritz Theatre General Manager Tami Mayhugh at 706-244-0039 or tmayhugh@cityoftoccoa.com with any questions.

                                                                                         

 

                                                      

 

                                                   

 

 

 

 

Toccoa Harvest Festival Scheduled for October 30th and 31st

Press Release

Release:  Immediate/Harvest Festival                      

Date:   August 24, 2021

Contact: Sharon Crosby

Email:  scrosby@cityoftoccoa.com

TOCCOA, GA - The 44th annual Toccoa Harvest Festival will be held Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31, 2021. The event typically boasts some 125+ vendors. The fee for craft vendors is $40 per space. Since it is a craft festival all products must be "homemade, home baked or home grown". The Main Street Promotions Committee goes to great lengths to verify that this criterion is met. This is to give crafters a market for selling handmade products without having to sell their products competing with retail product prices.

Many local residents have already been accepted into the festival, as well as crafters from nearby communities in Northeast, Middle and South Georgia, and South Carolina, and as far away as Florida, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Types of crafts being sold at the event include handmade quilts, soaps, fountains, jewelry, wooden furniture, wooden accessories, and wooden toys, baskets, pottery, crocheted items, Christmas decorations, wreaths, jellies, pickles, candles, children's clothing, bottle wind chimes, aprons, birdhouses, a variety of baked goods, painted gourds, folk art, blankets, pillows, neck pillows, and painted glass.

The Toccoa Main Street Program wants to invite anyone who has a handmade, home grown, or home baked product to participate in the 44th Annual Toccoa Harvest Festival. For information or to receive an application please contact the Main Street office at 706-282-3309 or go to www.mainstreettoccoa.com to download the application form.

            

Main Street Toccoa Receives GDA Premier Partner Award

Press Release

Date: August 20, 2021
Contact: Christian Hamilton, Main Street Manager
Release: Immediate
RE: Main Street Toccoa Awarded GDA “Premier Partner” Award

TOCCOA, GA – August 20, 2021 – Main Street Toccoa is pleased to announce that, on August 18, 2021, at the Georgia Downtown Association’s Annual Conference held at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Young Harris, GA, Main Street Toccoa was awarded the organization’s “Premier Partner” Award as part of its annual awards ceremony.

The Premier Partner Award recognized the City of Toccoa’s achievements in collaborating with Amtrak to see revitalization work completed at the Amtrak Waiting Platform connected to the Downtown Toccoa Historic Depot. Amtrak and the City of Toccoa collaborated to see an expanded 800-foot platform. In addition to the raised ADA-accessible platform, multiple quality-of-life improvements were installed, including 20 historically-inspired lights selected by city staff. A wheelchair lift and new signage were also installed.

Amtrak spent over $2 million on this project, which serves as both an inspiration and outcome that, while obstacles as large as the platform repair may seem insurmountable, with partnership and dedication, a downtown can see dynamic restoration.

For more information on the award, please contact Main Street Manager Christian Hamilton at 706.898.5777.

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From Left to Right: Christian Hamilton, Main Street Manager; Connie Tabor, Community Development Director; Todd Stennis, Amtrak Senior Manager for Government Affairs, South; Mathew Hill, Georgia Downtown Association President