More than 600 of our friends and neighbors made their way to the Macon City Auditorium in their sneakers and finest outfits on Friday, December 9 to celebrate the first ever Mayor’s Sneaker Ball. This was the official kickoff for the Bicentennial, as Macon turns 200 in 2023. 

Local percussion nonprofit, Streetline, kicked off the event by drumming from City Hall through Rosa Parks Square to the Auditorium with Mayor Lester Miller and his wife Toby Miller.  

“It was a proud moment for Macon-Bibb County as so many people waiting to get into the Ball watched and cheered for the band,” said Mayor Miller. “It was definitely an exciting way to get the party started!”

All 52 tables sold out before the event, and another couple of hundred of tickets were sold, as well as given out to several community members. People enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from local catering business, Alexander Ballroom. Many also enjoyed the live Sneaker Cam you can watch here, 360 Camera, silent auction, and live music from Central High School Strings Orchestra, Justin Cutway, and Collective Space.  

“The Mayor’s Sneaker Ball brought together all sections of Macon,” said Bicentennial Events and Partnerships Chair Andrea Cooke. “Every community was represented, both young and old. Dr. Duval said it best, ‘the Mayor’s Ball was the epitome of the Beloved Community,’ and I cannot agree with him more.”

For more events and updates on the Bicentennial, follow Macon200 on Facebook. Also, mark your calendars for next year’s Mayor’s Ball happening Friday, November 17, 2023.