Hartwell DDA Kicks Off Summer With Two Concert Series

Hartwell’s Main Street program is gearing up for a summer of fun with a couple of events that kick off this weekend.

On Friday, visitors to the square in downtown Hartwell can enjoy live music during the lunch hour.  It’s the first in the Music in May concert series.

Sponsored by the Hartwell Downtown Development Authority, Executive Director Henley Cleary said the concert series is just a nice way to start off the weekend.

“The merchants were asking what other things could be done to bring people downtown,” Cleary said. “We already have special events on the square during the holidays, such as the Scarecrow contest.  Someone suggested having concerts during Saturday afternoons. However, most people are at the lake on Saturdays in the summer, so we decided to have them on Friday afternoons. That way, people can ease into their weekends with some special music during the lunch hour and treat themselves to a picnic and enjoy the music and do a little shopping.”

Cleary said also kicking off this weekend is the annual First Saturday concert series at the Hartwell Marina, which will run through the summer.

“We have live music under the trees by the water at the Harwell Marina,” she said. “We have vendors there so you can buy your dinner there or bring your own picnic dinner.  It goes from 6p – 9p.”

The First Saturday summer concert series will run through the end of August.  Cleary said whether you come by boat or car, it’s a great way to spend a warm summer evening.

“The DDA has raised the money so we can provide these events for everyone,” Cleary said. “And we encourage everyone, not only from Hartwell, but from Royston, Lavonia and all over the area to come and enjoy these concerts. This is a community event.”

Both the Music in May and the First Saturday concert series are free and open to the public.