Surry Business

“Merchants & Music on Main,” the first of what may be a series of monthly events attracting visitors and shoppers to Elkin’s historic downtown business district, will begin today, Sept. 28, at 5 p.m.

Many stores will be open at least until 8 p.m. and Main Street will be filled with music.

Outside Snickerdoodles Espresso Bar Cafe, 226 W. Main, “Big Daddy Love, a bluegrass band, will perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and “Formerly Known,” a rock ‘n’ roll group, will play from 8:30 to 10 p.m. The music is free, sponsored by Foothills Arts Council.

The Yadkin Valley Craft Guild will show off the results of its new apprentice program. The Elkin-based group promotes arts and crafts in 15 North Carolina counties and three Virginia counties. This year it received a $47,000 Golden LEAF Foundation grant to pair aspiring young artists with master artists and artisans. Five mentors and eight apprentices will show and sell their work at the Guild Gallery, 122 W. Main. Buck Buckner and friends will perform old-time music there from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Brushy Mountain Winery, 125 W. Main, will offer the sounds of the Old Time Jammers throughout the evening.

Royall’s Soda Shop, 128 W. Main, will serve pumpkin ice cream and pumpkin pie along with the melodies of singer/guitarist Libby Haynes.

The John Furches Gallery, 123 W. Main, also will have live music.

The Foothills Arts Council, 129 Church St., will present a preview of its annual Clifford Morrison Juried Art Show from 7 to 9 p.m.

Among the other stores that will have evening hours are Song’s Treasure, Love and Scandal, Time Testers, Diana’s Bookstore, The Circle of Friends Yarn Shop, Surry Gift Shop, Dave’s Antiques, Mom’s Restaurant and the Old Curiosity Shop.