Athens Main Street will present its third installment of Fridays after Five this week in downtown Athens.

In addition to a variety of in-store sales, activities and a Kids Zone, Nashville recording artist Nikki McLeod will be the featured entertainment. The event, which runs from 5 to 8 p.m., is sponsored by WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone.

“My daughter loved the face painting and trying her hand at corn hole,” said Leah Beth McNutt, a patron of last month’s Fridays After Five. “The Kids Zone was filled with fun things to do for all ages.”

Vendors will be set up along Marion Street and will offer handmade items, jewelry, fresh produce and locally roasted coffee. Local restaurants will also offer dining and drink specials.

Marion Street will be temporarily blocked off and shaded for McLeod’s performance, which will run from 6 to 8 p.m. on the steps of the Limestone County Courthouse.

About McLeod

McLeod sings a variety of contemporary country and pop and traditional country songs. As a songwriter, she credits God for her passion.

McLeod was raised on a cattle ranch in North Dakota. She wrote her first song, “Cowboy Inheritance” at age 11.

Throughout her life, music was more of a support system than a career choice. It carried her through as she moved away from North Dakota, attending Iowa State University as part of the Marine Corps officer program. Music was also there to turn to when she was medically discharged from the Marines after 18 months.

Those who see her perform may notice her border collie, Dixon, at her feet. Dixon is a service dog for McLeod, who has post-traumatic stress disorder. Dixon often accompanies McLeod when she speaks at churches about PTSD, traumatic events and her faith.

“Faith is what has carried me through the hardest parts of life,” she said in her official biography. “God provided me with music to get me past things that seemed insurmountable. And in turn, he provided me with the strength to carry on and keep a positive outlook.”

For more information about McLeod, visit https://www.nikkimcleodmusic.com or find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NikkiMcLeodMusic.