'Farewell to Downton Abbey' gala to raise funds for GPB Macon

Fans can say goodbye to the Crawley family in style Saturday night at the Library Ballroom. Georgia Public Broadcasting Macon is hosting a special event in honor of PBS series "Downtown Abbey," which is in its sixth and final season.

"It's the highest-rated drama in PBS history. 'Downton Abbey' has been unprecedented in its popularity," said Josephine Bennett, GPB Macon station and community engagement manager.

"A Farewell to Downton Abbey" gala will feature an early screening of Sunday's episode, live music by the Keith Fitzgerald Quartet, dancing, photo ops with life-size character cutouts, hors d'oeuvres by the Perfect Pear, and an open bar with specialty cocktails created by local pubs.

Guests are encouraged to wear "Downton Abbey"-inspired attire, which could be as simple as a beaded dress or as extravagant as a full costume, Bennett said.

A similar party was held in Atlanta in December, and one is planned for Savannah in February. The event is the first fundraiser by GPB Macon, which opened in 2006, and all proceeds will go to the radio station's programming budget. The tickets, which are $75, must be purchased in advance.

"(The gala) is as much about awareness as it is about raising money. We want people to be aware that we're here. We are a part of the community," Bennett said.

"A Farewell to Downton Abbey"

When: 7-11 p.m. Jan. 23

Where: The Library Ballroom, 652 Mulberry St., Macon

Cost: $75

Information: www.gpb.org/macondowntonparty

This story was originally published January 21, 2016 at 6:12 PM with the headline "'Farewell to Downton Abbey' gala to raise funds for GPB Macon ."