Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  Downtown Foley is gearing up for a big summer. Foley Main Street is launching a new Downtown Foley Passport program at its upcoming Third Thursday event. The program offers visitors a fun way to explore local businesses and earn rewards. It also aligns with the nation's upcoming 250th birthday celebration, featuring a patriotic theme.

The kickoff event, "Hello Summer," takes place on Thursday, June 18. The "American Classics" tour begins that same night and runs for 28 days, ending at 7:00 PM on July 16 during the "Christmas in July" Third Thursday celebration. Both events are part of the monthly Third Thursday series held in Downtown Foley.

The new passport uses a geolocation-based system. Visitors must be at a participating downtown location to check in and earn points. Those points can then be redeemed for gifts, Downtown Foley items, Cat Alley items, or gift certificates from local businesses. It is a digital rewards program designed to make exploring downtown more exciting and worthwhile.

To get started, visitors can stop by the Foley Main Street booth at Yabba's Wacky Snack Shack, 100 West Laurel Ave. The first 50 people to activate their passports will receive a free, large-capacity, commemorative patriotic tote bag in red, white, and blue. Participating businesses will also be decked out with patriotic pinwheels and festive decorations to celebrate America's 250th milestone.

Earning points is simple and rewarding. On Third Thursdays, each stop at a participating business during the "Hello Summer" event on June 18 or the "Christmas in July" event on July 16 earns 25 passport points. The program does not stop there, though. Passport holders can earn Third Thursday points throughout the year, not just during the summer months.

The "American Classics" tour adds an extra layer of fun for food lovers. At each stop on the tour, participants earn 50 points for each visit to a featured restaurant. The tour highlights some of the most beloved American foods, including crispy fried chicken, juicy hamburgers, all-American hot dogs, refreshing ice cream, and salty, buttery popcorn. It is a tasty way to celebrate the country's heritage while supporting hometown businesses.

Foley Main Street Executive Director Darrelyn Dunmore discussed what the new program means for the community. "Third Thursday has always been about celebrating the heartbeat of our town—our local businesses," she said. "With the new Passport and the 'American Classics' tour, we are giving people a fun, delicious reason to rediscover downtown and celebrate our nation's heritage."

Even outside special events, the Downtown Foley Historic Tour is available year-round. This self-guided, walkable tour lets visitors stroll the streets at their own pace. Guests can explore the city's rich history and architecture, hear stories from longtime residents, and learn what makes this coastal gateway town unique. Participants also earn 50 points per stop toward their Downtown Foley Passport.

For more information about participating businesses or how to access the Downtown Foley Passport, visit www.foleymainstreet.com or follow Foley Main Street on social media. Foley Main Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to economic vitality, historic preservation, and community development in Downtown Foley.