Maybe it’s the great weather, or the flowers and trees in full bloom. It could also be the fresh coat of pollen that welcomes you each morning. No matter the sign, you know it’s spring in Athens, and that means Twilight time is near.

The annual Twilight Criterium on April 29 is more than just an insane bike race downtown. It’s the culmination of all things Athens – great weather, great food and great community events.

This year, Athensmade, a local non-profit organization that exists to educate, support and promote homegrown brands, entrepreneurs and creative professionals, brings several new events to the Twilight Criterium festivities:  an Athensmade Twilight Party, an Athensmade Big Wheel Challenge and the Acropolis Awards.
 
The Athensmade Twilight Party will be held along the Twilight course in an on-street café on April 29 from 7-10:30 p.m. With a prime location on Washington Street, Athensmade offers a relaxed place to enjoy Twilight in style, with Terrapin beer, wine and food prepared by Your Pie and The National. Ticket quantities are limited, so interested parties are encouraged to purchase soon. Ticket prices range from $75 to $35. More details and ticket purchase available at Athensmade.com. All proceeds from the party will help Athensmade further its mission to promote and support the creative community of Athens.
 
The Athensmade Big Wheel Challenge is a trike race for adults. Yes, that’s right. Local business leaders will be racing each other on adult-sized trikes. The challenge will be a short relay-style race in front of the Athensmade café on Washington Street, in front of Boar’s Head Lounge (260 East Washington Street), starting at 4 p.m. sharp. Proceeds from each business’ entry fee goes directly to support Athensmade. This is sure to be an entertaining event.
 
Participating businesses:

1000 Faces Coffee

Jittery Joe’s

Sons of Sawdust

Terrapin Beer Company

Team Oneta Woodworks, Saint Udio and Heavy Friends Furniture

Your Pie
 
Finally, on April 29 at 3 p.m., Athensmade will be teaming up with the Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department, the Acropolis Innovation Festival and local business Fortson, Bentley and Griffin to host the Acropolis Awards ceremony. This will be just one of the many events celebrating Athens’ creative community in conjunction with the community’s first annual Acropolis Innovation Festival. The Acropolis Festival has been in full swing for the entire month of April, and the Acropolis Awards will serve as the festival’s closing ceremony. In addition to the 2017 class of Athensmade business ambassadors, many other community award winners will be named and recognized.