Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue is scheduled to make his first public appearance in Cedartown Thursday, making this the first time in many years that a sitting governor has visited the community.

After a stop in Rome at around 9 a.m., Perdue will make his way to Cedartown for a speech that will take place on the steps of Courthouse No. 2 at 10 a.m.

The governor’s swing through Floyd and Polk counties will be part of his tour of Georgia in conjunction with the annual State of the State address.

According to Main Street Manager Jim Kelly, who did not find out about the governor’s stop until last Monday, Perdue’s speech will likely last around a half-hour.

Kelly said that Perdue’s decision to stop in Cedartown had much to do with Doc Ayers, the former University of Georgia football coach who now resides in Cedartown.

Perdue played for Ayers at UGA in the 1960s and decided to swing through Cedartown at the request of his former coach.

Alternate plans are being made in case of bad weather. “If it’s a wash out, we are going to move it to the auditorium,” Kelly said.

Visitors to downtown Cedartown are advised not to park on Main Street or in the block around the courthouse, as there will be an intersection lock down as part of security measures for the governor’s appearance.

Perdue’s appearance should not interfere with the Tour de Georgia, which is scheduled to come through downtown Cedartown between 11 and 11:30 a.m.

Kelly stated that he encourages everyone, regardless of political preference, to come out and support Perdue during his address.

“I know previous governors have been here before but not on Main Street and not in that public of a forum,” Kelly said. “It’s a rare treat to get to see your governor on your home turf.”