Friday night will be the third Fourth Friday downtown. Fourth Friday is a joint venture of Foothills Arts Council and Downtown Elkin, Inc. and is sponsored this month by Brushy Mountain Winery, Royall's Soda Shop, Diana's Bookstore, Couture Design Group, In Every Room, Elk Pharmacy and Neaves and Gillespie.

Pony rides will again be offered by "EllieMae and Friends" of Thurmond and chalk will be available for street and sidewalk drawing.

Gallery openings include Foothills Arts Council with "Make your Mark", a show consisting of art made with Sharpie markers. Interactive activities are planned.

The Yadkin Valley Craft Guild will be holding their "Gems and Jewels and Goblets, Oh My!" eshibit that spotlights all that glitters. Both organizations will be signing people up for their summer art offerings in their respective galleries and in the Fourth Friday hospitality tent on the street. These include clay classes at YVCG and children's art summer mini-camps at FAC.

Local band Big Daddy Love is scheduled to perform as this months musical entertainment. The band's sound is pure Americana with heavy bluegrass, blues, and jam band influence with eclectic mix of Foot Stompin' Roots Rock, Boogie Woogie Blues-grass, Good Time Music.

Following the release of their debut CD in April, the band's popularity has skyrocketed.

"I'm really glad we booked big Daddy Love back when we did for Fourth Friday," Foothills Arts Council President, Erik Dahlager said. "I wouldn't be surprised if they're at MerleFest next year."

Formed in the foothills of North Carolina in early 2006, the Big Daddy Love show has evolved into a high energy performance with summer bookings all over North Carolina, from Black Mountain and Blowing Rock to Wilmington. Opportunities to catch their act close to home are becoming fewer as their fame has increased. Fourth Friday will be a great chance to see them close by and at no cost.

Since last month's Fourth Friday, Twenty-One and Main has been added to Downtown Elkin's list of attractions. Their cuisine, wine selection and ambience have helped increase the list of Downtown's dining choices.

Brushy Mountain Winery will be preparing for the Saturday launch of their "Sweet Lou" wine in memory of Brushy Mountain co-founder Louise Mayberry. Royall's Soda Shop will be in the center of things with their world famous hotdogs.