Events focused on celebrating the annual Alabama Blueberry Festival in Brewton will begin Friday night bringing artists and movie lovers a chance to get the celebration started early.

Organizers of an “Evening of Art” are planning to showcase the artistry of exhibitors for the annual celebration. Thou Art on Douglas Avenue will host the event from 5 to 8 p.m. this evening as the first of the activites for the festival begin.

Local and out-of-town artists will have their work on display at Thou Art with a portion of the cost of admission returned to potential patrons.

The admission fee of $25 will see an exchange for those attending the event with $20 in “funny money” returned to be used to purchase items at the showcase event or at the Blueberry Festival venue on Saturday.

Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served and entertainment will also be provided.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce or at Thou Art. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the showcase. Sponsors for the event include Bank of Brewton, BankTrust, BB&T, Brewton Mill Federal Credit Union, First Exchange Bank, First Progressive Bank, Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union and Regions Bank.

For the move lovers in the area, a special showing of the film “Courageous” will be presented on the lawn across from the Escambia County Courthouse on Belleville Avenue.

The Chamber-sponsored showing of the film is free of charge and is open to the public. The City of Brewton’s recreation department will direct the presentation. Viewers are invited to bring blankets or chairs as well as snacks for the event. The movie will begin at 8 p.m.