Safe Zone Will Be a Drive-By This Year
Governor Kemp has extended his emergency order not allowing outdoor gatherings of more than 200 people to November 10th and the city is not issuing any new downtown permits through the end of the year.
Bottom line is we will not be able to move forward with our normal downtown Safe Zone this year. There will be no candy distribution downtown, there will not be a costume contest downtown, East Main will not be closed to traffic nor will there be a police presence.
Downtown Safe Zone is officially cancelled.
So What Are We Going To Do???
The Blue Ridge Business Association is going to partner with the Blue Ridge United Methodist Church and participate in a “Safe Zone Drive-By” at the church located at 235 Orvin Lance Dr, next to the post office.
This is a true Drive-By, the public will not be allowed to get out of their vehicles. Volunteers wearing both masks and gloves will bring commercially wrapped candy to the children. No pedestrian traffic will be allowed at any time.
- Safe Zone Drive-By will be Saturday, October 31st
- Hours are 5 to 8 pm
There will be up to 40 spots around the perimeter of the church for businesses, organizations or individuals to have candy distribution stations. If you would like to reserve a spot to distribute candy please email the United Methodist Church or call them at 706-632-2327 during normal business hours.
The following businesses are either participating at, or contributed candy to the United Methodist Church location:
- Blue Ridge Adventure Wear
- Blue Ridge Bird Seed Co.
- Blue Ridge Business Association
- Blue Ridge Handyman Co.
- Cohutta Country Store
- Danielle’s Cafe
- Daughters of the American Revolution for Fannin Co.
- 1st Franklin Financial
- Fannin County Empty Stocking
- Kiwais Club of Blue Ridge
- North Georgia Family Medicine
- Out of the Blue
- Oyster
- Rotary Club of Blue Ridge
- Rytech of Fannin
- Scents of Blue Ridge Candle Co.
- Smooth Sailing Bookkeeping & Payroll
- Snack in a Backpack
- Turning Leaf
- Unique Art Design
- Wet Noses Animal Rescue
If you would like to participate please:
- Contact the church and reserve your spot NOW
- Dressing in costume is encouraged
- Decorating your table or vehicle is encouraged
- Spaces are large enough for a 10 x 10 tent and table or a normal size car
- You may set up as early at 3 pm
- Drive-By will be from 5 to 8 pm on Saturday October 31st
- Please tear down & take everything with you that night. The church is not charging us anything to use their property so please leave your space as you found it.
Besides the Blue Ridge United Methodist Church distribution location there will be several other distribution locations around Blue Ridge that will be offering drive-by only opportunities. Currently businesses participating include the following but we do expect this list to grow.
- ACE Hardware
- Blue Ridge Pharmacy
- Copper Basin Federal Credit Union – Not on the map below. Address 85 Orvin Lance Dr.
- Dairy Queen
- Fannin Country Chamber of Commerce
- Home Depot
- Kevin Panter Insurance
- Mountain Valley Bank
- Papa’s Pizza
- Town and Country Furniture
- Twins Car Wash – Not on the map below. Address: 32 McKinney Rd., Blue Ridge
- United Community Bank