The main streets of Statesboro came alive this past Friday evening, September 15th, with the casual festivities of Taste of Downtown sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors. This engaging and highly anticipated event is known for encouraging members of the community to discover more about the downtown area by highlighting local businesses and restaurants.
Taste of Downtown, hosted by the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority and now in its 15th year, is a popular local experience, most remembered for inspiring people to sample highlighted dishes from restaurants they may not have tried before all while exploring shops downtown that may be new to them.
Though there were initial concerns of inclement weather impacting the event, the sun shone through in Statesboro that evening after all, and clear skies and a gentle breeze filled the streets, creating a picturesque evening.
The event was centered at the Bulloch County Courthouse and extended in either direction, hosting people all the way from Bull and Barrel to Eagle Creek Brewery. Taste of Downtown ran from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, allowing attendees plenty of time to enjoy the impressive showcase of local restaurants and businesses that were paired together for the event.
The event featured a unique “scavenger hunt” that called to both fun-seekers and food enthusiasts alike. With 30 distinct stops on the map, all within an easy and leisurely stroll from the courthouse, attendees embarked on their own distinct journey through the businesses downtown as they sought out the different participating restaurants excited to share their best bites with the ‘Boro.
Local enterprises and artisans brought color and vibrancy to the streets by setting up shop under tents along the street; more than just selling goods, some organizations that were tabling offered information about important causes or hosted short educational games, emphasizing that the evening was about supporting the community and local entrepreneurs.
Adding an extra layer to the evening, there were also a variety of other activities to engage those in attendance. Georgia Southern's BiG organization hosted their "Fix It Friday" at the FabLab, with a focus on bicycle tune-ups. For those craving an adrenaline rush, Boro The Hatchet Axe Throwing was also present, offering the thrilling sport of axe throwing on wheels.
Meanwhile, The Ripleys played their catchy covers from the main stage at the courthouse. The Averitt Center for the Arts, also participating in Taste of Downtown, had its doors open and was showcasing the work of incredible talent of Raymond Gaddy.
The best part of the event was that it truly was an engaging and memorable experience for all. From locals who have called Statesboro home for years to curious newcomers eager to explore, from families seeking wholesome entertainment to couples in search of a distinct night out, Downtown Statesboro served as a place for all to come and enjoy and bond over good food. This was especially represented through the stories of our community members:
The courtyard echoed with the laughter of families dancing to the rhythm of The Ripleys, adding an extra layer of charm to the evening.
Two patrons who were waiting at a crosswalk were serenaded by a group of friends singing Happy Birthday from across the street who were there surprising the two for a birthday get-together downtown to celebrate with tasty treats. A family of four who recently moved to the area enthusiastically embraced the concept of First Fridays as a way to learn more about their new home. As self-proclaimed foodies, they saw this event as the perfect opportunity to explore the local culinary scene and find new favorites here in Statesboro.
Entrepreneurs were also out and about, enjoying the festivities. Alivia and Jermaille Lloyd, owners of Sum’Mo Tea Cafe, mentioned the vibrant and warm energy downtown and how they were excited by the chance to support their fellow food artisans. Sum’Mo Tea Cafe was partnered with The Quince Of Your Dreams offering a tasting of their sweet potato pecan pie tea lattes. Talk about delicious!
Meanwhile, at the Lori Grice Photography & Grice Connect storefront, a line snaked out the door and down the street as participants waited to try Uncle Shug's BBQ Place’s smoked wings. Another long line was found at Boro Bagel Company, new to the downtown food scene opening earlier in September. While they were only sampling their tasty ice cream, they were open and excited to be engaging with people.
Once again, Downtown Statesboro delivered a fun Friday night. Highlighting local enterprises, nurturing connections between the community and their establishments, and creating lasting memories. It was an evening of exploration, entertainment, and of course, excellent eating!
Appealing to newcomers and also to longtime locals alike who call this small town home, the Wells Fargo Advisors Taste of Downtown was definitely a success, bringing our community together and offering a delectable taste of all that Downtown Statesboro's food scene has to offer.