MACON, Ga. — Currently, Poplar Street is decorated in lights for the holiday, but in April of last year, it had another fun makeover.
Downtown was dressed in 1920s decor from Poplar to Cherry Street along Third Street. It was for the new musical adaptation of "The Color Purple."
Businesses and other folks downtown say they're very excited to head to the theatre on Christmas day for the film's opening, and many already got a sneak peek when filming was happening in town.
Shopping in downtown Macon or meeting up with some friends is a weekly thing for Travis Gates.
"I often meet up with my brothers here at Famous Mikes. We fellowship and get breakfast," Gates said.
He says what isn't common is getting a front-row view of a major motion picture in progress.
"It was a great experience seeing some of the cast members," he said.
The musical adaptation of The Color Purple went right down Third Street, passing by his home.
"I actually walked down as they were building the set and as they were shooting the movie," Gates said.
As a Macon native, he says it's nice to see his hometown on the big screen.
"We aren't on an Atlanta level yet, but it's nice that actors that I grew up with, choose Macon to come shoot their movies," he said.
Gates says he and a group of his friends are wearing purple and heading to the theatre on Christmas day.
Macon Bagels got a good look at the action too.
"I think it was a really big scene that got filmed right outside of our store, so I'll be excited to see it," said owner Lauren Bone.
For the days of filming, they were closed to the public so vintage 1920s cars could drive around.
"We had some extras and the drivers who were driving the vehicles come down and sit for a little bit," Bone said.
Macon Bagels even catered breakfast to the set as well.
"I have already got my ticket, so I will be in there Christmas Eve," Sandra Major said.
Major works at Macon Water Ice. They didn't occupy their space on Third Street at the time of filming, but they say its cool to know that they work where a film happened. Plus, she says it makes them more appealing.
"For it to be The Color Purple right there, that makes us very exciting," she said.
Both Macon Water Ice and Macon Bagels say they're excited to serve the next cast and crew who comes to town.
"Y'all come on in and visit us," Major said.
"I hope that if Oprah ever comes back, I hope she comes to Macon Bagels," Bone said.
A red carpet event is happening in Eatonton on Christmas day to honor Alice Walker. She's a Putnam County native, and the author of The Color Purple. That happens at 7 p.m.
RELATED: 'The Color Purple' will be set to symphony at the Grand Opera House during orchestra performance