Hometown Celebration promotes kids' businesses

  • Parker of Parker’s Art and Things sold original watercolor, acrylic, and special drawing art at the Kids’ Market.
    Parker of Parker’s Art and Things sold original watercolor, acrylic, and special drawing art at the Kids’ Market.
  • Layla of Layla’s Art sold hand-made sculptures and drawings at the Kids’ Market.
    Layla of Layla’s Art sold hand-made sculptures and drawings at the Kids’ Market.
  • Berrett of Bear’s Art shows off his wide collection of merchandise at his booth at the Kids’ Market.
    Berrett of Bear’s Art shows off his wide collection of merchandise at his booth at the Kids’ Market.
  • Alt Text for Image
    Alt Text for Image
  • The Scott Little Band performed a collection of original and country songs during the evening of the Hometown Celebration
    The Scott Little Band performed a collection of original and country songs during the evening of the Hometown Celebration
  • Citizens were able to peruse the adult and kids’ markets and enjoying the festivities of First Friday.
    Citizens were able to peruse the adult and kids’ markets and enjoying the festivities of First Friday.

    Milledgeville’s downtown was decorated with vendors, entertainment and a Kids' Market for the Hometown Celebration hosted by Milledgeville Main Street, May 5.

    The Kids’ Market consisted of 10 booths, ranging from original hand-made bracelets to paintings and clay sculptures. At the Kids Market, multiple children shared their personal creations and products.

    “I’ve been painting for about seven years. I really love art,” said Parker, vendor of Parker’s Arts and Things who was selling art pieces that consisted of watercolor, acrylic, and pencil drawings. “I want to be the next Frida Kahlo, go to college for art, and be a paid artist.”

    Alongside Parker was Layla Art, another art booth with clay sculptures. Layla began making sculptures a few months ago and wants to keep improving her sculptures.

    Beyond the Kids’ Market, vendors from all over middle-Georgia set up tents to sell their products. Crazy Town Threads, Georgia College Student Life, Coasties Bakery, and others were in attendance.

    Two new vendors also set up tents last Friday: My Favorite Sweet Tea and SweetBrier.

    My Favorite Sweet Tea is located in Milledgeville, and, according to owner Dion Conney, has slowly become more and more popular.

    “We have been around for over a year. We were inspired by one of our friends by selling tea, so we decided to do the same,” said Conney.

    SweetBrier is an original, hand-crafted jewelry and accessories shop founded by retired Coast Guard member Kimberly Smith. Smith uses laser-cut wood and paints to create jewelry and sells her products inside Coasties Bakery in downtown Milledgeville.

    “I’ve always loved art. Being in the Coast Guard, my job only allowed me to work with words. Once I retired, I continued with my former job, but decided to use my hands and do what I love; make art,” said Smith.

    One of the most popular vendors of the night was Teddy’s Adventures, a mobile teddy bear business. Customers were able to build their own teddy bear and place a wish inside of it.

    “We are a 501c3. A portion of our profits goes back into the community to help fund projects within our area,” said Sierra Christopher, a member of Teddy’s Adventures. “We encourage love, and we do our best to encourage everyone to love one another”.

    Another popular attraction was local performer, The Scott Little Band. Crowds flooded to the front of the stage to hear their music from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The song selections consisted of a variety of classic country songs and original songs.

    Then, to close out the Hometown Celebration, Andrew Wooten, with Caroline’s Roost, stepped onto the stage for another country performance.

    Scan the QR code below to see a clip of The Scott Little Band’s performance.