Celebrate Masters Week at ADDA's Par-tee festivities

In the spirit of Masters Week, the Aiken Downtown Development Association's Downtown After Six event will include music, bargains and, of course, golf for an evening dubbed Par-Tee in Downtown Aiken.

Par-Tee will be held Thursday evening beginning at 6 p.m. Among the activities will be a chance for shoppers to receive extra discounts by sinking a hole-in-one at shops that have putting greens set up inside the store.

"Downtown Aiken is unique and visitors on opening day of the Masters will have the opportunity to show their own putting ability," Carla Cloud, executive director of the ADDA said. "We will see just who is 'boss of the moss' in downtown Aiken."

In addition to special events in participating stores, there will also be entertainment throughout downtown, according to Cloud. Performers include saxophonist Hyland Brooks, the Savannah River String Band, acoustic guitarist Philip Albenesius and Donnie Dowd on the harmonica.

"We have countless guests in Aiken who visit downtown during Masters Week and many of them are downtown during the evening hours for dinner and entertainment," said Cloud. "This is an excellent opportunity for the guests and locals to join in the fun and relaxation downtown has to offer."

There is no charge to attempt a putt. Score cards with the participating businesses listed will be available at any participating business or the ADDA office.

The card includes a survey on the back. Cards with completed surveys will be entered into a drawing for a set of limited edition postcards.

Five sets will be awarded at the end of the event. For those living outside the area, the cards will be mailed to their home addresses.

For more information, contact the ADDA at 629-2221.

Special promotions include:

* The Aiken Center for the Arts will offer a 20 percent off coupon for a hole-in-one. In addition, the Center will have a wacky photo backdrop available all week for guests.

* The Carriage House Inn will offer Southern goodies for a made putt.

* Curiosity Shop will offer a variety of prizes from its tea collection.

* Chris' Camera Center will provide made putts with a free 8" by 10" collage with up to 15 pictures.

* Desserves will reward a made putt with a free cupcake and will have fun ideas and table decorations for golf fans.

* Lionel Smith Ltd. will give 20 percent off regular retail purchases with a hole-in-one.

* Plum Pudding will offer free shipping as a hole-in-one incentive and the store will feature a summer grilling demonstration that features kebob sampling.

* Sweet Cow Creamery will offer an ice cream cone for a made putt.

* Tea Garden Gifts will give a 20 percent discount for shoppers who make a hole in one.

* Hotel Aiken will reward made putts with gift certificates to 100 Laurens Restaurant.