It's time to get out those picnic baskets and brush up those dance moves as the Arts Association in Newton County holds "An Evening of Art on the River" from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

 Held at the Porterdale Mill Lofts, the association is bringing visual arts, scrumptious eats and swinging music to town with this event.

 Although a similar event was held last year on the square, this year promises to be bigger and better, said Arline Chapman, a member of the organizing committee and member of the Southern Heartland Art Gallery.

 "This has more dimension to it this year," said Chapman. "I think they really worked hard to bring unique and wonderful events to the community."

 "Porterdale greatly appreciates the fact they've chosen us to host this event," said Chapman, a member of the Porterdale city council. "It really gives us an opportunity to showcase what's going on in our downtown area."

 Tickets cost $25 and attendees will be able to explore five lofts in an open house from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 Works of art from the Southern Heartland Art Gallery, Chance's Gallery and Monticello artist Aaron Hequenborg will be on display in the loft space and on the patio.

 Party band "Grapevine," out of Macon, will provide music from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 Attendees are encouraged to picnic and spread out by the river with food. Snack baskets, containing goodies from Graffiti Zoo Chocolates, roasted nuts, cookies and sparkling wine or Belgian malts are available for purchase from Blooms and Corkpoppers for $55. Orders must be placed by April 30.

 Chapman pointed out Jimbo's also makes take-out food as does Latte-Da, and Babycakes is a great place for dessert.

 The evening event, sponsored by Capes Properties, Edward Jones-Stuart Hamilton, Porterdale Mill Lofts and the Virgil Warren Foundation, promises to be a relaxing, fun-filled time.

 "I think it's going to be a wonderful event," said Chapman, "I'm really looking forward to it."

 For tickets or information, call the Arts Association at (770) 786-8188 or visit the organization's Web site at www.newtoncountyarts.org.

 To purchase snack baskets, call Blooms at (770) 788-2887 or Corkpoppers at (678) 658-9192.