Singing, fake mustaches and costumes were in great supply for the Downtown 'Dosta Fest Friday night.

People had the chance to step back in time with live music lining the streets and horse-drawn carriage rides.

"It was very quaint. We enjoyed doing it. It kind of gives you a feel how it might've been been to ride a horse and carriage ride," said a resident as she got off the ride.

Even a man from Huntsville, Alabama came to see Valdosta blow out its candles.

Klaus Hathway said, "I must say I'm very impressed. It's a very nice town, very unique downtown area."

The Downtown 'Dosta Fest is a chance to bridge the past with the future.
While everybody's celebrating the upcoming year, they also get a chance to look back on the past of good ole downtown Valdosta.

Residents dressed in costumes gave historic accounts of certain buildings downtown.
The Play "Troupville to Valdosta" also educated while it entertained spectators.

"I learned that jingle bells wouldn't exist were it not for Valdosta," said one resident."

But for some little bandits, the night was all about the prizes.
Everyone wearing a mustache could enter the Doc Holliday look-a-like contest to remember the famous Valdostan and win prizes.

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The “Downtown ‘Dosta Fest” is one of many events—planned by the Valdosta Sesquicentennial Planning Committee—that will take place during Valdosta’s sesquicentennial year.

Activities planned for the event include:

* OPENING CEREMONY, at 6 p.m., on the Lowndes County Courthouse steps—A brief ceremony will begin with the ringing of downtown church bells and the train whistle and will include Valdosta City Manager Larry Hanson, Valdosta Mayor John J. Fretti, Lowndes County Chairman Ashley Paulk, Georgia Senator Tim Golden, and U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston. The Moody Air Force Base Honor Guard will present the colors, and citizens will enjoy patriotic music performed by the Harmony Grits quartet.

* FROM TROUPVILLE TO VALDOSTA”—An original play by Jacque Wheeler, showing at the ‘Dosta Playhouse and featuring Valdosta State University theater actors. Four 15-minute shows are scheduled for 6:30, 7:15, 8:00 and 8:45 p.m.

* DOC HOLLIDAY LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST, at 8:30 p.m., in Bennie’s Alley (next to The Firm and 92.1 FM)—Whether their mustaches are real or phony, Doc Holliday enthusiast are invited to participate in the look-alike contest in his remembrance. No functioning weapons will be allowed. Registration will take place between 6:30 and 8:15 p.m. Great prizes!

* KID ZONES—Kids can play historical games from the 1800’s, sport fake mustaches, and participate in other fun activities at four downtown locations: next to the Converse-Dalton-Ferrell House, in Bennie’s Alley near Ashley Street, in front of the City Market, and in front of Valdosta Furniture and Mattress.

* HISTORICAL SLIDE SHOWS—Citizens can view historical slide shows in three downtown locations: Lowndes County Courthouse, courtesy of the Lowndes County Historical Society; Bennie’s Alley, courtesy of ClientTell, Inc.; and the Roberts Building, courtesy of BFB Gladwin Architects. Slide shows will play throughout the evening.

* HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES—Citizens can travel through downtown 1800s style on horse-drawn carriages. Rides begin in front of the City Market.

* STREET PERFORMERS—Throughout the downtown area, citizens may enjoy listening to a variety of folk musicians and other free musical acts.

* HISTORIC GUIDES—Nearly two dozen Valdosta Theatre Guild actors, dressed in period costume, will be retelling the history of downtown’s oldest buildings. Storytellers may be identified by the flashing lights on their collars.

In addition to the activities listed above, the downtown businesses have also planned for the festive occasion with live entertainment, menu specials, decorations, etc. Citizens are encouraged to visit all the participating businesses and activities as indicated on the event brochure, available at all downtown businesses.

For more information, contact the city’s Public Information Office at (229) 259-3548 or visit the city’s website at www.valdostacity.com.