The Hinesville Downtown Development Authority is offering residents and visitors an array of family entertainment options and celebrations over the next few weeks.
Events include a citywide yard sale, charitable initiatives to benefit the city’s food pantry, and several themed nights at the Hinesville Farmers Market, which began its season in March.
Festivities get underway Thursday with the culmination of the HDDA’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive, conducted in partnership with the Hinesville Rotary Club. The organizations have been soliciting jars of peanut butter and jelly for the Manna House, which will use the sandwich fillers to provide summer meals for area residents in need. At the Farmers Market, a collection point will be set up so those wishing to help can drop off peanut butter and jelly donations. Jars can also be dropped off at Hinesville City Hall, GeoVista Credit Union or Ameris Bank until Thursday.
Manna House Director Katrina Deason, who is also pastor of Liberty Prayer Chapel on Memorial Drive, has arranged for Gospel 94.9 FM to provide entertainment during the PB&J drive. A DJ will spin Motown Hits throughout the evening.
HDDA will switch gears Saturday for the annual Citywide Yard Sale, which is expected to draw hundreds of bargain seekers to Bryant Commons on Highway 84. HDDA Executive Director Michelle Ricketson said last year’s sale featured about 20 vendors who sold all kinds of goods, such as typical yard-sale finds, jewelry, household goods, clothing, plants, candles, dishes and baked goods.
Vendor set-up starts at 7 a.m., and the yard sale runs from 8 a.m. until noon. Sho’ Nuff Smokin’ Good BBQ and Pleasant Grove AME Church will sell concessions, including an array of breakfast options, hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks. Anyone interested in becoming a seller should call the HDDA at 912-877-4332 for an application or download and print one at www.hinesville downtown.com.
Hinesville Farmers Market shoppers will be treated to three other themed evenings this month. Ricketson said the celebratory nights are to provide affordable family fun.
“The HDDA’s themed market nights are the perfect occasion for community members to get out and enjoy themselves while picking up healthy, fresh produce from our vendors and learning a little bit about charitable endeavors and other initiatives in the area,” Ricketson said. “Everyone always has a great time.”
On June 9, the market will morph into full celebration mode to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 241st birthday. Attractions will include performances by the 3rd ID Rock Band, photo opportunities with Rocky the Bulldog, a birthday cake and visits from Fort Stewart officials. Through June 9, Hinesville residents can stop by City Hall and sign the Army birthday banner, which will be presented to the post.
On June 16, Savannah musicians Bucky and Barry are scheduled to bring their twist on classic rock songs to the market as part of a Father’s Day-themed event. The evening, sponsored by State Farm agents Melissa Carter Ray and Adam Herndon, will also include a car show.
On June 30, the HDDA will hold the second of three planned “Fifth Thursday at the Market” celebrations. Each time there are five Thursdays in a month, the fifth market features live music, a themed “drink of the night” and a nonprofit beneficiary.
For more information on the HDDA or the events, call 912-877-4332, go to www.hinesvilledowntown.com and follow it on Facebook and Twitter.