The Grinch stole the show at this year’s final “First Fridays” event on Friday, December 7th during the Jingle Jam promotion.
The Jingle Jam was the final of eight promotions of First Fridays, the group effort between the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce (GCC), Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association (GAHA), and Better Home Town (BHT). The program was started this May with the purpose of attracting more economic development to the downtown area.

Mulling around town and strolling up and down Main Street, sightseers enjoyed shopping, hot cider, and roasted chestnuts, while taking the opportunity to meet the famous Grinch from Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Don’t worry though; by the end of the night, the Grinch’s heart did growthree times in size and was as warm as the hot cider.

GCC’s Tourism and Special Events Coordinator Karleen Ferguson told FYN she was pleased with the attention the event earned its first year.

“I felt… for it being its first year… that it was successful,”

Ferguson said, adding that though some events were affected by weather, the GCC had learned from these experiences for next year. Ferguson says they are already looking ahead. A meeting is planned in January for next year’s event between the GCC and Ellijay’s downtown merchants. They will discuss how to improve themes and times for next year’s event.

For pictures from the final “First Fridays”, please view the slideshow below.