Southside Stroll highlights southside merchants, artists

IF YOU GOWhat: Southside Stroll.When: 5-8 p.m. today.Where: Merchants along East and West Main streets.Admission: Free.Phone: 400-4100.

The party will just be starting on the Southside today when Chattanoogans clock out at 5 p.m.

Merchants, musicians, chefs and artists along East and West Main streets will welcome visitors from 5 to 8 p.m. during the kickoff of the fourth season of the Southside Stroll.

The stroll began in 2009 as Last Fridays on Main, the Southside's spin on the North Shore's First Fridays, according to Jean Huddleston, stroll spokeswoman. Last year it became the Southside Art Stroll as most of the participants featured original art or handmade gifts. Huddleston said as the variety of merchants interested in participating has expanded, the name was changed to Southside Stroll.

Tonight's participants are The Crash Pad hostel, Cobblestone Rue photography studio, Velo Coffee, The Hot Chocolatier, Merchants on Main, Area 61 Art Gallery, Easy Lemon Loft, Ashley Hamilton Studio and Paqueria restaurant.

Also, Front Gallery, The Mean Mug, Hart Gallery, Miki Boni Studio, Cycle Sport Concepts, The Galleries on Williams Street and Planet Altered.

"Each of us will offer something different for visitors to do, music or nibbles. We're acting as a collective to let people know how fabulous the Southside is," said Huddleston. She said, for example, that visitors to Planet Altered can try their hands at making cuff bracelets.

Judy Klemm, owner of Galleries on Williams Street, said, "We'll offer refreshments and special discounts. We're featuring a local artist, and I'll have Wilson & Bow fine neckwear here."

Although this is a park-and-walk event, Huddleston pointed out there is free parking on the street. Guests may park in the lot across Main Street from Alleia (near Main and Williams Street) and in the lot across from the Galleries on Williams Street.

Maps of participating merchants will be available in each stroll venue.

Future Southside Strolls are scheduled for June 29, July 27, Aug. 31 and Sept. 28.

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