Set up behind the counter, Fox Gray of Fox Foot Crafts eagerly took requests for card sketches throughout the day. While she was happy to doodle a favorite character or even an original one, the artist made sure to have a selection of pre-drawn cards to help any stumped patrons decide on a sketch.

TIFTON — With six years of success now under their belt, The Zone Collectibles and More is eager to continue growing in the years to come.

Tifton’s local one-stop geek shop celebrated its sixth anniversary March 23, not only honoring more than half a decade of their operation and involvement in the Downtown Tifton area, but thanking the residents of Tifton for helping them get this far.

“This community has just been so good to us, and we really appreciate everything,” said Kim Clady, Zone co-owner. “We’re definitely blessed to be here — in this economy, stuff the way it is, being here six years is definitely a milestone.”

Alongside birthday cake treats being offered out by a Yoda statue, store customers visiting during the anniversary enjoyed regular sales on various types of merchandise from the Zone’s wide catalogue of wares each hour, including manga, LEGOs, and figures.

Local artist Fox Gray of Fox Foot Crafts was also in house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing free sketch cards on request. Patrons were free to ask for sketches of characters from various fandoms or provide references for their original characters.

Throughout the day, Zone staff announced the winners of a raffle organized with the help of advertising company Spotlight Media GA, who was celebrating its own first anniversary alongside the collectibles store. Customers were encouraged to enter the raffle, with the option of donating nonperishable food items to earn two entries, for the chance of winning a buffet and drink pass to Golden Corral.

All proceeds made during the day will be donated to the 2024 Zone/Slentz Community Outreach Program. Spotlight has stated that they will match these sales with a donation to the same program.

The Zone Collectibles and More is located at 305 Main Street, and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact (229) 256-5820.