Four streets in downtown Woodstock will be closed Friday evening for the start of the Tour of the Southern Highlands Stage Race, a three-day bicycle meet being held for the first time in Cherokee County since moving from Hall County.

The race begins at 7 p.m. and goes through Sunday in Woodstock, Cherokee County and Ball Ground. Market, Hickory, Paden and Mill streets in Woodstock will be closed to vehicular traffic from about 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday. Access to the parking decks at Walton Communities will be allowed at intervals during the race.

Friday’s events in Woodstock also will feature live music, kids’ races and a corn hole tournament on Elm Street’s Event Green. Set-up for begins at about noon Friday, with clean-up concluding around midnight, officials said.

Southern Highlands, formerly the Gainesville Gran Prix, is the state’s only Pro/Am stage race since the Tour de Georgia ended in 2008.

Information: http://www.toshsr.com/