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<p>March 1 marks the fifth anniversary of First Friday celebrations in Beaufort. The monthly downtown event is hosted by the Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association. Each month, businesses, restaurants, and shops stay open late to give visitors and locals the opportunity to explore, shop and dine during a fun late-night experience.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>This month, shoppers will have the opportunity to win cash prizes by visiting participating business to pick up a card and play a unique First Friday bingo-style game called Shop and Hop. All cards that “bingo” will be entered in a drawing for cash prizes.&nbsp; Winners will be announced via Facebook Live at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 2.</p>
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<p>Each month, a different Merchant Association member business will be in the member spotlight near the clock tower at Bay and West street where the First Friday tent will be set up. This month, Robyn Hood Black from Artsyletters will share her unique story of how her journey as a poet, and children’s author has informed her process for creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, hand-printed paper and cards, personalized keepsakes and more. Come meet Robyn to learn about her design approach, and see a sampling of inspired creations she’s made from antique texts and paper, 19th-century books, and other reclaimed vintage items. &nbsp;</p>
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<p>First Friday is from 5-8 p.m. in the downtown core on Bay street and surrounding blocks and is open to everyone. There will be musicians roving the streets, as well as promotions and specials offered by participating merchants. The event is free and the perfect way to get to know and support local creative and business people who are part of the downtown community.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>For information, contact Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association at dbmerchantsassociation@gmail.com.</p>
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