<strong>From staff reports</strong>

Welcome to the neighborhood.

The Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association will celebrate First Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 with an evening of late-night shopping, dining and fun while welcoming new downtown business neighbors who will be marking their grand openings.

The eclectic mix of downtown businesses, shops, and art galleries will be open late so shoppers can browse for unique gifts, one-of-a-kind items, locally curated art and more, before or after having a meal, beverage or sweet treat at one of downtown’s restaurants or specialty shops.

Downtown merchants are always ready to welcome shoppers to safely enjoy visiting and supporting local businesses. Everyone is reminded to please be mindful of physical distancing and to wear a mask when entering buildings. Many shops will have them available for customers who need them.

To make shopping downtown more rewarding, customers who make purchases at participating stores and businesses will receive a raffle ticket and be entered into a drawing for cash prizes -- $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. The drawing will take place and winners will be announced at noon Saturday, Sept. 5 via Facebook Live.

For a list of participating merchants and to learn more about the Downtown Merchants Association, visit www.downtownbeaufortsc.org.