7 months ago
First Friday in downtown Macon featured an Independence Day Fun theme.
The 116th Georgia National Guard funk band took over the stage in front of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
Fans listened to their favorite soul songs during First Friday.
Lots of people came out to clap and sing along.
The guard had postcards that people filled out to send to the 48th Brigade members serving overseas.
Army National Guard Sgt. Lewis Watson says the postcard messages are important to the soldiers protecting our freedom.
"Honoring them with something as simple as a written postcard, which is so uncommon in today's electronic world, plays such an important role in these soldiers' lives. When they receive this they're going to know people back home really do care and are proud of what they're doing to serve this country," said Watson.
Just down the street from the guard band people kicked off the holiday by bringing the beach to Macon.
Sand was dumped into downtown.
Folks built castles, got their faces painted and left 4th of July messages along city sidewalks - all part of First Friday activities.
Organizers say they wanted to plan something fun for the people hanging around town for the holiday.
Kris Hattaway with Newtown Macon said "We just wanted to make it something big for people to come out for First Friday for the holiday weekend. Some of the places are closed downtown, but there's still a lot that's open and a lot of fun going on.
