Guide to Georgia: Spring 2018

G uide To GEORGIA

State-wide •Events •Attractions •Fairs & Festivals

Spring 2018

Spring Arts in the Park — Blue Ridge — May 26 & 27

Adams Bluegrass, LLC Presents: A FAMILY FESTIVAL

SOUND BY: BLUE RIDGE SOUND

- 6th ANNUAL -

SHERRY BOYD, M.C.

NO AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDING

THE LITTLE ROY &

“ 2010 Country Legend of the Year”

LIZZY MUSIC FESTIVAL

MAY 3, 4 & 5, 2018

ELIJAH CLARK STATE PARK

2959 McCormick Hwy. Hwy. 378, Lincolnton, Ga 30817 DAILEY & VINCENT

“2008- 2010 IBMA Entertainer of the Year”

(Thursday, 3rd)

GENE WATSON

& The Farewell Party Band (Friday, 4th)

“ Queen of Bluegrass”

THE LITTLE ROY & LIZZY SHOW

THE GIBSON BROTHERS “2012-2013 - IBMA-Entertainer of the Year”

Host Band - ( All 3 Days)

JEFF & SHERI EASTER

(Saturday, 5th)

(Thursday, 3rd)

THE CHUCK WAGON GANG REMINGTON RYDE (Thursday, 3rd)

(Friday, 4th)

DRY BRANCH FIRE SQUAD

RHONDA VINCENT & THE RAGE “8-Time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year”

(Friday & Saturday, 4th & 5th)

(Friday, 4th)

THE MALPASS BROTHERS (Saturday, 5th)

THE MORON BROTHERS (Thursday, 3rd)

STEADY DRIVE (Friday, 4th)

Security Guards On Duty NO Alcoholic Beverages, Smoking or Pets Allowed in Concert Area – Strictly Enforced –

For Camping Reservations

call 1-800-864-7275 Elijah Clark State Park (706) 359-3458

Golf Carts Allowed

PLEASE BRING LAWN CHAIRS

NOHIGHBACK,ROCKERSORLOUNGECHAIRS Max Size: 39” High 26” Wide

(Thursday, 3rd)

(Saturday, 5th)

SHOWTIMES: Ticket Prices Do Not Include Camping ADVANCE: AT GATE: 3-DAY, (Weekend Ticket Special) .........................................................$90.00 ......... $95.00 THURSDAY, 12 Noon – 10 p.m. (Open stage at 11 a.m.) ....................... $40.00 .......... $45.00 FRIDAY, 12 Noon – 10 p.m. (Open stage at 11 a.m.) ........................... $40.00 .......... $45.00 SATURDAY, 12:00 Noon– 10 p.m. (Open stage at 11 a.m.) ................... $40.00 .......... $45.00 Children Ages 7-15, $15.00 per day ..................................... 3-days -...$45.00 .......... $50.00 Children Under 7 ......................................................................................... FREE with Parent Tickets not mailed: processing fee on credit cards: ($3.00 per 3-day & $2.00 per 1-day ticket)

*Order Tickets Online at : adamsbluegrass.com *

WE RESERVETHE RIGHTTO REFUSE ADMISSIONTO ANYONE

THE BAKER FAMILY

THE INSPIRATIONS

NOTICE!!!

CHAIR POLICY

FOR 3-DAY TICKET HOLDERS ONLY

PICK UP NUMBERS FOR CHAIR ASSIGNMENT MONDAY - APRIL 30 at 10:00 AM (CHAIRS CAN BE PLACED ACCORDING TO NUMBER ASSIGNED) (AS SOON AS TENT SET-UP & COMPLETED AT APPROX. 4:00 PM)

LARRY SIGMON & MARTHA SPENCER

“Unique Sound of the Mountains”

(Saturday, 5th)

All GA State Parks require a $5.00 entrance fee.

This applies to all Daily Vehicles ( not camping). * * * * *** SHOW GOES ON RAIN OR SHINE Big Tent in Event of Rain Hot Food on Premises

For tickets, complete details and free mailing list, contact:

Adams Bluegrass, LLC P.O. Box 98 Dahlonega, GA 30533 Phone: (706) 864-7203

www.adamsbluegrass.com

NAME ADDRESS CITY Please reserve at $

STATE tickets for each for $

ZIP (specify day(s)) (Total) LRL

ON THE COVER BRMAA - The Voice of the Arts

G uide To GEORGIA

Welcome the return of spring with the voice of the arts in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For 42 years, the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, a non-profit arts council, has provided a SPRING 2018 • March/April/May unique art experience through their Arts in the Volume 58 • Number 1 Park festival series: one of the Southeast’s most popular and highly regarded outdoor celebra5 �������������Visit Our Advertisers on the Web tions of the arts. Located at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the Downtown City 6-9 ������������������������������������������Metro Atlanta Park of Blue Ridge, GA, the Arts in the Park festival series draw in excess of 19,000 attendees 10-11 ����������������� Garden and Nature Events and a wide array of artists and food vendors.

Recently listed as one of the top Art Towns in 12-13 �������������������������������� Theatre Directory Georgia by the Georgia Council of the Arts, Blue 14 ���������������������������������������������������������Sports Ridge is a top art destination and features a unique artistic experience for visitors and resi15.................................Memorial Day Events dents alike. Artists, vendors, and visitors enjoy a wide variety of fine arts and crafts, demon16-17 ������������������������ Entertainment Venues strations, food, and much more during the Arts 18 ��������������������������� Eagles at Berry College in the Park festivals.

The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association 20-38 ������������������������������������ Georgia Events strives to enhance and preserve the quality and accessibility of the arts, honor their rich heritage of mountain culture, promote contemGUIDE to GEORGIA porary multi-cultural arts, and be a catalyst for 2840 College Dr., Columbus, GA 31906 economic development in the community.

706-563-4613 Georgia is the proud home of many New e-mail: info@guidetogeorgia.com dedicated and talented artists: one of whom is Web: www.guidetogeorgia.com Masha Hamby Savage. “Whirlygigs” by Marsha is featured on the cover. The inspiration for Richard Buchanan ���������������������������� Publisher Marsha’s art comes from a love of nature and 706-888-8288 �����Richard@guidetogeorgia.com outdoor activity. She creates paintings from the Debi Richardson ����������������������Graphics Editor Southeastern US, but also enjoys painting plein 803-259-1990 debi@guidetogeorgia.com air in other places she visits. She loves to spend a little time walking and exploring each new Cheryl Bates ������������������������Customer Service 706-457-1436 �������Cheryl@guidetogeorgia.com location before starting to paint. It allows her to soak up some Johnny Craven ����� Informational Technologist of the color Mike Norkus ������������������������������������Distribution partnerships found there; THE GUIDE TO GEORGIA, founded in 1960, is the way they the premiere publication for information on integrate and activities and entertainment in Georgia. Four harmonize issues are published each year, and the magawith each zines are distributed in all 11 Georgia Welcome other is Centers, in local visitor bureaus, in hotels, and usually numerous other outlets as well as to subscribfirst in her ers. Subscription is $12 per year. Conents are thought copyrighted and may not be reproduced withprocess. out permission.

March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 3

See what our patrons have to say: “Good afternoon. Sorry for the delay. I am going to sign up and prepay for 4 (four) 1/4 page ads with Guide To Georgia. . . I look forward to being a regular advertiser. Your publication is too important to not be an advertiser.”–Director-County CVB “I don’t know how you can put out a wonderful and informative magazine for $10. I’d pay more for it. Thanks so much.”–Frances Little, Douglasville “I am so very appreciative of your giving my book some publicity on your Facebook page.”–Jane Walker, Author Widow of Sighing Pines “Hi! Ohio Friends. Read this (Guide to Georgia), and you won’t have to ask me about Georgia this summer.” –Guide to Georgia Facebook reader

For advertising information, please call 706.563.4613, or e-mail info@guidetogeorgia.com, or visit our website at www.guidetogeorgia.com.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA

G uide To GEORGIA

VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS ON THE WEB

Adams Bluegrass, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . p. 2 www.adamsbluegrass.com Big Picture Con Film & Tech.. . . . . p. 17 www.BigPictureCon.com

Blairsville Scottish Festival. . . . . p. 18 www.BlairsvilleScottishFestival.com

Blue Ridge Arts in the Park. . . . . . p. 39 www.blueridgearts.net

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. . . . . . . p. 14

www.brscenic.com

City of Conyers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 26 www.VisitConyersGA.com

City of Fitzgerald. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 26 www.fitzgeraldga.org

City of Toccoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 24

www.mainstreettoccoa.com

Clayton Merchants Assoc.. . . . . . . p. 34 www.downtownclaytonga.org

Commerce Folk to Fine Arts . . . . . p. 31 www.folk-finearts.com

Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival. p. 9

www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com

Lyons Better Hometown. . . . . . . . . p. 12 www.talesfromthealtamaha.com Madison Tour of Homes. . . . . . . . . . p. 30

www.mmcc-arts.org or www.madisoninmay.com

Massee Lane Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . p. 11 www.americancamellias.org

Meriwether County Chamber. . . . p. 19 http://meriwethercountychamber.org

Merritt Pecan Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 9 www.merritt-pecan.com Ocmulgee Wild Hog Festival. . . . . p. 35 http://www.hogfestival.com/ About-The-Festival.html

Putnam Co. Dairy Festival . . . . . . . p. 28 www.putnamcountydairyfestival.com

Sacred Heart Garden Club. . . . . . . p. 10 www.SacredHeartGardenFestival.com

Scott Antique Markets. . . . . . . . . . . p. 7 www.scottantiquemarkets.com

Smyrna Jonquil Festival. . . . . . . . . . p. 6 www.SmyrnaCity.com

Darien Blessing of the Fleet . . . . . p. 36

Southeastern Railway Museum. . . p. 8 www.southeasternrailwaymuseum.org

Flowerfetti. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 37

Southland Jubilee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 16 www.southlandjubilee.com

Full Circle Farm Sanctuary. . . . . . p. 22

St. Marys Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 29 www.StMarysRailroad.com

Georgia Blueberry Festival. . . . . . p. 33

Summerville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 25 www.summervillega.org

www.blessingofthefleet.com

www.flowerfetti.etsy.com

www.FullCircleFarmSanctuary.org

www.georgiablueberryfestival.org

Georgia JugFest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 27 www.gajugfestival.com

Hiwassee River Railroad. . . . . . . . . p. 32 www.tvrail.com

Lane Southern Orchards . . . . . . . . p. 18 www.lanesouthernorchards.com

Thomson-McDuffie Co. . . . . . . . . . . p. 40 www.VisitThomsonGA.com

Vidalia Onion Festival . . . . . . . . . . . p. 23 www.vidaliaonionfestival.com

Washington-Wilkes Tourism. . . . . p. 38

www.washingtonwilkes.org

www.guidetogeorgia.com March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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METRO ATLANTA Scott Antique Market in Atlanta The Scott Antique Market at the Atlanta Expo Centers is the world’s largest monthly Scott Antique Market in Atlanta indoor antique show and features two buildings (366,000 square feet) with over 3500 The Scott Antique Market at the Atlanta Expo Centers is the world’s largest monthly indoor booths, outdoor shopping, and a courtyard of merchandise antique show and features two buildings (366,000 square feet) with over 3500 booths, outdoor – all stockedand fulla of pretty much every antique imaginable. shopping, courtyard of merchandise – all stocked full of Allpretty things antique wind up at the Scott Antique Market much every antique imaginable.

All things antique wind – up antique furniture, vintage hardware, rare art, stunning at the Scott Antique Market-antique furniture, vintage hardglassware, heirloom incredible jewelry, and ware, rare art, stunning silver, glassware, heirloom silver, incredible jewelry, and much more. much more.

TheScott Scott Antique described as “America’s favorite The AntiqueMarket, Market, described as “America’s treasuretreasure hunt,” always placetakes the second weekend of favorite hunt,”takes always place the second every month at the Atlanta Centers whichExpo straddle I-285 weekend of every monthExpo at the Atlanta Centers at Exit 55. Parking is free; admission is only $5; and a compliwhich straddle I-285 at Exit 55. Parking is free; admission mentary shuttle goes between both buildings. Show hours are is only $5; and a complimentary goes 9am-6pm, between both Thursdays 12:45-6pm, Fridays &shuttle Saturdays and buildings. Show hours are Thursdays 12:45-6pm, Fridays & Saturdays 9am-6pm, and Sundays 10am-4pm. Food and snacks are available.

Upcoming shows will be March 8-11, April 12-15, May 10-13, and June 7-10.

For more information on Scott Antique Markets visit www.scottantiquemarkets.com, or call 740-569-2800.

Ongoing Spring Events Mar. 1, Apr. 5, May 3 – 1st Thursday Art Walk, Downtown, Atlanta. 5-8pm.

404-658-1877.

Mar. 2, Apr. 6, May 4 – 1st Friday Gallery Walks, Roswell Historic Dist.

770-993-4783.

Mar. 8-18 – Great American Cover-

Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival The City of

April 28 & 29 Saturday, 10-6 & Sunday, 12-5

• Arts & Crafts Festival with over 175 booths • Food • Book Sale • Live Entertainment • Children’s Area • Puppet Show and the

Jonquil City Jog April 28th

March

2-3 – Folk to Fine Art Festival, Commerce Civic Center. 706-335-6417.

8-11 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Ctr. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000.

770-434-6600 10-11 – Opening Weekend, Six Flags www.SmyrnaCity.com Over Georgia, Austell. 770-948-9290.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

5K Run/Walk 8am, Saturday

6

Up Quilt Show, Roswell, Bulloch Hall.

770-640-3253.

Mar. 8-25 – Jewish Music Festival, various locations. 312-291-9024.

Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 18 – Third Friday Night Music Remix, High Museum of Art, 6-10pm. 404-733-high.

Mar. 31-Apr. 8 - Spring Fun Break, Stone Mountain Park. 770-498-5690.

Mar. 31-Apr. 8 – Spring Break, Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell. 770-948-9290.

Apr. 6, May 4 – 1st Friday Art Walk, Marietta Square, 5-9pm. 800-451-3480.

Thru Apr. 7 – Photo Competition, Southeastern Railway Museum. Duluth, 770-476-2013.

Apr. 7-8,14,21,28, May 5,12,19,26 – Laser show, Stone Mt. Pk. 770-498-5690.

Apr. 13-22 – Atlanta Film Festival, Midtown. 404-352-4225.

Apr. 14-Jun. 3 – Renaissance Festival. Fairburn. 770-964-8575.

Apr. 19-May 13 – Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens, 2805 Normandy Dr. NW. 404-252-6670.

May 2, 16 – Blue Sky Concerts, Decatur, Wed., 12-1pm. 404-371-8386.

May 5, 12, 19, 26 – Concerts on the Decatur Square, 7-9pm. 404-371-8386.

Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth The Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia, showcases the colorful history that railroads and transportation played in shaping both Atlanta and North Georgia. The 35-acre museum is home to more than 90 pieces of historic railroad equipment, buses and artifacts that bring to life the region’s transportation history. The state designated the museum “Georgia’s Official Transportation History Museum.”

Many of the historic railroad cars and locomotives on display are open for guests to climb aboard and explore. Visitors can buy tickets to ride on a train made up of vintage cabooses or purchase a cab ride and join the engineer as he operates the train around the property.

Among the rail cars on display is The Superb, a Pullman Co.-built private car President Warren G. Harding used during his 1923 “Voyage of Understanding.” Harding died before finishing the trip, and the car carried the president’s coffin to Washington, D.C., for the state funeral and then to Marion, Ohio, for his burial.

The car is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The museum hosts special events throughout the year, including an annual photo contest in February, Caboose Days in April, the Fast Track 5K in May, Locomotive Celebration in June, Train-or-Treat in October and Polar Express Experience in December. For more information about the exhibits, prices and special events, visit www.SoutheasternRailwayMuseum.org.

March

16-18 – American Craft Show, Two Gallaria Parkway, Atlanta, 800-8363470, 612-206-3100.

17 – Daffodil Day, Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta. 10:30am-4pm. 404-658-6019.

17 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Midtown, noon-1:30pm, 404-504-6884.

17-18 – St. Patrick’s Day in Smyrna.

678-701-6114.

18 – Ga. Marathon & Half Marathon, Centennial Olympic Park, 7am-2pm.

21-25 – Atlanta Int’l Auto Show, Ga. World Congress Center. 770-916-1741.

24 – Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt/ Movie by Moonlight, Tolleson Pk., Smyrna.

24-25 — Cherry Blossom Festival, Ga. Int’l Horsepark, Conyers. 770-860-4190.

Piedmont Park. 404-876-4024.

14 – Boy Scout Merit Badge Clinic, Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth 770-476-2013.

April

1 – Easter Sunrise Service, Stone Mtn. Park, 7am. (Park opens at 4am.)

770-498-5690.

7 – International Pillow Fight Day. Atlanta Grant Park. 3-6pm.

7-8 – Caboose Days, Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth. 770-476-2013.

7-8 – Festival on Ponce, Parks on Ponce de Leon Avenue. 404-845-0793.

12-15 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Ctr. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000.

13-15 – Atlanta Dogwood Festival, March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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M E T R O A T L A N T A

M E T R O A T L A N T A

Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival Celebrate Spring and Live Life in Full Bloom at the 37th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival March 24-25! Shop among hundreds of unique arts and craft exhibitors, eat your way through the multiple food courts, enjoy cultural performances, listen to live music, and play in the children’s large designated area. You don’t want to miss this year’s highlights, including the Grizzly Experience, Sound Garden and Country Artist, John King!

The Cherry Blossom Festival originated as a way to encourage cultural understanding and friendship through international music, dance, games, food and crafts. The cherry blossom is a symbol of short-lived beauty in Japan, and the City of Conyers embraces this tradition as well. The blooming of the cherry trees offers a time to reflect upon our lives. Like the blooming of the trees, life is short, so you have to appreciate and embrace it.

The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival has received many awards over the years for Best Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Festival and Events Association. It has also been selected over the years as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Festival hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Admission is free with $5 daily parking. Weekend parking passes are available for $8, and tour buses are an $8 daily fee. No pets please! For festival information or directions to the Georgia International Horse Park, located just off I-20, visit www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com, or call 770860-4190 or 1-800-CONYERS.

April

14-15 – Acworth Art Festival. 800451-3480.

18-22 – Lemonade Days Festival, Brook Run Pk., Dunwoody. 770-668-0401.

20-22 – Druid Hills Home & Garden Tour & Artist Market. 404-525-tour.

20-22 – Sweetwater 420 Festival, Centennial Olympic Park. 404-223-4412.

21 – East Metro Atlanta Home & Garden Expo, Ga. Int’l Horse Park Exhibition Center, Conyers. 678-491-4163 or 800-266-9377.

21 – Southland Jubilee Festival, Greensboro Downtown. 716-243-8022.

21 – Art on the Chattahoochee, Jones Bridge Park, Peachtree Corners.

678-277-0920.

21-22 – Big Shanty Festival, Downtown Kennesaw. 770-423-1330.

21-22 - Sandy Springs Artsapalooza. 866-511-7742.

27-29 - Georgia Trust Spring Ramble, Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth.

800-451-3480.

27-29 – Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes. 404-577-4212.

28-29 – Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival, Village Green, Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. noon-5pm. 770-434-6600.

8 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival The Spring Jonquil Festival will be held April 28-29 in downtown Smyrna on the Village Green next to Smyrna Market Village and will feature over 175 handmade arts and crafts booths, a featured fine arts section, festival foods, a book sale, and children’s activities.

There will be live music as well as local entertainment on the stage in front of the library and other highly entertaining features such as an educational Grizzly Bear show and “Lady Houdini,” an escape artist.

A Crawfish Boil hosted by the Smyrna Market Village Merchants will be held in Market Village on Saturday and Sunday (www.smyrnacrawfishboil.com).

The Jonquil City Jog, a 5K Run/Walk, will be Saturday 8am at City Hall. There will be a Tot Trot, Fun Run, and Fitness Walk. Registration is 7am. Register at www.active.com.

Festival hours will be Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday n-5pm. Admission is free. Take I-75 to Exit 260; go west 3 miles; turn left onto Atlanta Road; festival will be one mile on right. For more information, call 770-434-6600, or visit www.SmyrnaCity.com.

May

29 – Taste of Marietta, Square, 11am-7pm. 770-429-1115.

3–AtlantaJazzFestival.404-546-7246.

4 - 6 – Shaky Knees Music Festival, Centennial Olympic Pk. 404-233-4412.

5 – Derby Day, Chastain Horse Park, 2pm. 404-252-4244.

5-6 – Snellville Days Festival, Briscoe Park, 10am-6pm. 770-985-3535.

10-13 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-2800 or 404361-2000.

11-12 – Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival, Cauble Park, Lake Acworth.

770-917-1234.

12-13 – Buckhead Spring Arts &

Crafts Festival. 404-873-1222.

12-13 – Dunwoody Arts Festival, Dunwoody Farmhouse. 678-244-9800.

13 – Sweet Auburn Springfest. 404681-4667.

18-20 – Marietta Greek Festival, Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. 770-924-8080.

26 – Fast Track 5K, Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth. 770-476-2013.

26-27 – Atlanta Arts Festival, Old 4th Ward, 3pm. 404-873-1222.

June

7-10 - Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-2800 or 404-3612000.

March 24-25, 2018

LIVE LIFE IN FULL BLOOM www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com Georgia International Horse Park Free Admission with $5 Parking Fee 770-860-4190

March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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M E T R O A T L A N T A

G A R D E N A N D

Sacred Heart Garden Festival, Augusta Sacred Heart Garden Festival, scheduled for April 20-22, 2018, is Augusta’s premier Garden Festival and was named as a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. On Thursday, April 19, patrons join together for the evening premiere of the Festival featuring fine cuisine, musical entertainment and the first glimpse of extraordinary exhibits created by garden professionals.

The Festival officially opens on Friday, April 20 and features floral & landscape exhibits, a Speaker Series with Robert “Buddy” Lee, inventor of Encore Azaleas, Chris VanCleave, the Redneck Rosarian, and other experts and a Vendor Market of unique plants, garden accents and antiques. In addition, extraordinary private gardens will be open for patrons to explore intriguing varieties of foliage, innovative techniques and mixtures of design.

The 2018 Festival is brimming with experiences including a live, interactive Butterfly Flight House exhibit, Friday Night Concert in the Garden live music event, Seedling Saturday with interactive activities for children, a Garden Tea with cookbook author, Pat Branning, and more.

For information, visit www.SacredHeartGardenFestival.com or phone 706-826-4700.

N A T U R Ongoing Events E March – Late-season Camellias in

Bloom at Massee Lane Gardens, Fort Valley.

March-April – Tulips, Daffodils, Crocus in Bloom, Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Mar. 3-May 31 – Organ Concerts,

Callaway Gardens, Sat. & Sun. 2-4pm.

Mar. 17, 18, 31, Apr. 1 – Orchid Market Weekends, Atlanta Botanical Garden, 10am-4pm.

Mar. 15-April 29 – Azalea Season at Callaway Gardens.

Mar. 23-26 – Plant Fair and Sale at Callaway Gardens.

Thru Apr. 1 – Orchid Daze, Atlanta Botanical Garden.

April – Late-season Camellias, Native Azaleas, and Pitcher Plants in Bloom at Massee Lane Gardens, Fort Valley.

May – Day Lilies, Hydrangeas, Hibiscus, Azaleas, and Native Wildflowers in Bloom at Massee Lane Gardens, Fort Valley.

March

10

1 – Photography Contest, Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange.

9-11 – Orchid Society Show, Atlanta Botanical Garden.

10 – Vegetable Gardening Workshop, Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange.

17 – Bonsai Society Show at Atlanta Botanical Garden.

17 – Decoupage Eggs Workshop, Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange.

17 – Old Timey Plant Sale, Birdsong Nature Center. 229-377-4408.

17 – Sunset Hike, Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon”. 5:30-7:30pm, Providence Canyon, Lumpkin, 229-8384706.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

Massee Lane Gardens ~ A Southern Classic Springtime is the perfect time to enjoy strolling through Massee Lane Gardens near Fort Valley. Late season camellias are plentiful in the seven specialty camellia gardens.

The Marvin Jernigan native azalea garden, with its delicate and fragrant pink, yellow, orange, and orange-red blossoms, puts on a show from late March through early May. Pitcher plants, wild orchids, and venus fly traps in the bog garden welcome spring to the fifteen-acre Brown and Hall Environmental Garden.

Many rare and endangered plants native to the Southeast nestle among the pines alongside the walking paths encircling a 2.4 acre pond. Dr. Dan and Muriel Nathan’s screened-in pavilion is a perfect spot for a family picnic and for observing wildlife.

This unique botanical garden illustrates the diversity of plant life in habitats ranging from the lake to the upland forest.

An International Garden of Excellence, headquarters of the American Camellia Society, and member of the American Camellia Trail and the Georgia Camellia Trail, Massee Lane Gardens also features a landscaped greenhouse, gift shop, and two galleries showcasing the largest collection of Boehm sculptural porcelains in the U.S. Groups of ten or more may make reservations for a professionally guided tour, and golf cart tours can be scheduled for small groups.

Visit www.americancamellias.org/masseelanegardens for directions and visitor information. Call 877-422-6355 for information.

March

April

23-26 – Annual Plant Fair & Sale, Callaway Gardens.

24 – Children’s Storytime in the Garden, Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange.

Garden & Nature Centers in Georgia • Ashantilly Center, Darien. . . . . . . . . . . 912-437-4473 • Atlanta Botanical Garden. . . . . . . . . . 404-876-5859 • Autrey Mill Nature Ctr. & Preserve. . . . 678-366-3511 • Bamboo/Coastal Gdns., Savannah. . . 912-921-5460 • Barrington Hall, Roswell. . . . . . . . . . . . 770-640-3855 • Birdsong Nature Ct., Thomasville. . . . 800-953-bird • Callaway Gardens, Pine Mtn . . . . . . . . 800-Callaway • Chattahoochee Nat. Ctr., Roswell. . . . 770-992-2055 • Cochran Mill Nature Ctr., Palmetto . . . 770-306-0914 • Columbus Botanical Garden. . . . . . . . 706-327-8400 • Dunwoody Nature Center. . . . . . . . . . . 770-394-3322 • Elachee Nature Center, Gainesville. . . 770-535-1976 • Flint RiverQuarium, Albany . . . . . . . . . 229-639-2650 • Ga. Mt. Research Ctr., Blairsville. . . . . 706-745-2655 • Ga. Nature Center, Watkinsville. . . . . . 706-769-1000 • Gibbs Gardens, Ball Ground. . . . . . . . 770-893-1881 • GSU Botanical Gdn. Statesboro . . . . . 912-871-1149 • Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange. . . . . . 706-882-3242 • Massee Lane, Fort Valley. . . . . . . . . . . 478-967-2358 • Mill Creek Nature Center, Buford. . . . . 770-787-7887 • Oatland Island, Savannah. . . . . . . . . . 912-395-1212 • Oxbow Meadows, Columbus. . . . . . . . 706-507-9550 • Phinizy Swamp, Augusta. . . . . . . . . . . 706-828-2109 • Sandy Creek Nature Center, Athens. . 706-613-3615 • Smithgall Woods, Helen. . . . . . . . . . . . 706-878-3087 • State Botanical Garden, Athens. . . . . . 706-542-1244 • Tybee Island Marine Center. . . . . . . . . 912-786-5444

1-30 – Wild Cave Tours, Rising Fawn, Cloudland Canyon State Park, 10am-4pm. 706-913-7170.

13-14 – NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens, Savannah. www.gardenclubof savanna.org.

20-22– Sacred Heart Garden Festival, Augusta. 706-826-4700.

21 – Pastel Still Life Painting Workshop, Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange.

May

12 – Picnic in the Garden, Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange.

March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

11

G A R D E N A N D N A T U R E

T H E A T R E

ACTOR’S EXPRESS



M U S I C 

D A N C E

Atlanta, 404-607-show, www.actors-express.com Mar. 9-10 The Harvey Milk Show Apr. 2-May 13 The Flower Room

ACT 1 THEATER

Alpharetta, 770-663-8989, www.act1theatre.org Mar. 2, 3, 9, 10 Charlotte’s Web Apr. 6, 7, 13, 14 Vanya, Sonia, Masha & Spike Jun. 1, 2, 8, 9 Urinetown

AUGUSTA PLAYERS

706-826-4704, www.augustaplayers.org May 11-12 The Little Mermaid

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER

706-632-9223, www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com Mar. 8-25 Nunsense May 17-Jun. 3 Murder Room

BRUNSWICK ACTORS’ THEATRE

AGATHA’S

Atlanta, 404-584-2211, www.agathas.com Thru Apr. 25 And The Winner Is….Murder

912-262-0628, www.soglogallery.com Apr. 21-22, 28-29, May 5-6

Vanya, Sonia, Masha & Spike

ART STATION

CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS

Stone Mountain, 770-469-1105, www.artstation.org May 30-Jun. 10 Breath & Imagination

ARTISTIC CIVIC THEATRE

Atlanta, 404-873-3391, www.puppet.org Apr. 3-29 Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat May 1-15 Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat

Dalton, 706-278-4796, www.actdalton.org Mar. 16-18, COMPANY Mar. 22-24 COMPANY May 4-6, 10-12 The Sparkley Clean Funeral Singers

GAINESVILLE THEATRE ALLIANCE

ATHENS COMMUNITY THEATER

706-548-3854, www.townandgownplayers.org Mar. 2-4 Visiting Mr. Green Apr. 13-22 Suddenly Last Summer

Roswell, 770-641-1260, www.get.org Mar. 1-18 A Comedy of Tenors Mar 3, 10, 27 Miss Nelson Is Missing Apr. 12-29 Buddy

ATLANTA BALLET

GRAND THEATRE Cartersville

404-873-5811, www.atlantaballet.com Mar. 16-18 Black Swan Apr. 13-15 Tutu & More May 11-13 Bach to Broadway

ATLANTA LYRIC THEATRE

Marietta, 404-377-9948, www.atlantalyrictheatre.com Mar. 10 Jarius Clietts Cabaret Mar. 23-24 Fame Jr. Apr. 13-29 Always…Patsy Cline

ATLANTA OPERA

404-881-8801, www.atlantaopera.org Apr. 5-15 Out of Darkness: Two Remain Apr. 28-May 6 Carmen

678-717-3624, www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org Apr. 10-21 Monstrous Regiment

GEORGIA ENSEMBLE THEATRE

770-386-7343, www.thegrandtheatre.org Mar. 1 For the Love of Herschel Mar. 3 Balsam Range Mar. 10 Dave Stamey Mar. 17 James Gregory Apr. 21 Pam Tellis

HABERSHAM COMMUNITY THEATRE

Clarkesville, 706-839-1315, www.habershamtheater.org Apr. 6-8, 12-15, 20-22 Fiddler on the Roof

HENRY PLAYERS

770-892-9906, www.henryplayers.com Apr. 12-15, 19-22 Bridge to Terabithia

HISTORIC HOLLY THEATRE Dahlonega

706-864-3759, www.hollytheater.com Mar. 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 Anything Goes Apr. 13-15 Cinderella May 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 COMPANY May 25 Jason Petty’s Hank Williams May 26 Satisfaction – The International

Rolling Stones Show

HISTORIC RITZ THEATRE

Brunswick, 912-262-6934, www.goldenislesarts.org Mar. 1-4, 9-11, 16-18 The Affections of May Apr. 14, 15 Art in the Park

NEW AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE THEATRE TAVERN Atlanta

404-874-5299, www.shakespearetavern.com Mar. 9-25 William Luces’ Barrymore Mar. 31-Apr. 22 Love’s Labour’s Lost Apr. 28-May 13 The Life & Death of Richard

the Second May 19-June 10 As You Like It

NEW DEPOT PLAYERS Conyers 678-374-3224, www.thenewdepotplayers.com Mar. 1-4 Barefoot in the Park

12 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

Tales from the Altamaha 2018 in Lyons Listen… can you hear it? The rustle of the wind in the trees, birds chirping in flight, and the waters of the Altamaha? It’s calling, and once again you will have the opportunity to be transported back to a time when Southern traditions were just being forged. This award-winning Georgia folk-life play is drawn from the writings of Colonel T. Ross Sharpe, a local attorney born and raised on the Altamaha River, who wrote a series of essays in the local newspaper during the 1950’s and 60’s about the settlers of the area around the river. Since 2005, Tales from the Altamaha has entertained audiences from all over the Southeast with a different selection of Colonel Ross’ stories interwoven with bluegrass music performed by the River Rat Review Band.

Tales from the Altamaha takes the stage April 19-28, 2018. A project of Lyons Main Street, Tales from the Altamaha continues to be a cultural celebration steeped in the Southern traditions unique to rural South Georgia.

Make plans now to embark on the ride of a lifetime as you experience the lives, loves, losses, scandals, and just plain ol’ gossip that are Tales from the Altamaha. Tickets $10-$20.

Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. For more information, phone 912526-6445, e-mail lyonsmainstreet@gmail.com, or visit www.talesfromthealtamaha.com.

“Like” us on Facebook!

NEWNAN THEATRE COMPANY

STAGE DOOR PLAYERS Dunwoody

PERRY PLAYERS

SWAMP GRAVY Colquitt 229-758-5450, www.swampgravy.com Mar. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 Listen Here

770-683-6282, www.newnantheatre.org Mar. 1-4, 8-11 Peter & the Star Catcher Apr. 12-15, 19-22 Blackpool & Parrish May 10-13, 17-20 Noises Off 478-987-5354, www.perryplayers.org Mar. 29-Apr. 14 The Wizard of Oz May 10-19 Driving Miss Daisy

ROME LITTLE THEATRE

706-295-7171, www.romelittletheatre.com Mar. 16-25 Seussical May 4-14 The Producers

SAVANNAH THEATRE

912-233-7764, www.savannahtheatre.com Mar. 1-26 Savannah Live Apr. 11-Jul. 29 Piano Men

SERENBE PLAYHOUSE Chattahoochee Hills

770-396-1726, www.stagedoorplayers.net Mar. 25-Apr. 15 Mass Appel May 18-June 10 Living on Love

SYNCHRONICITY THEATRE Atlanta

404-484-8636, www.synchrotheatre.com Mar. 2-4 Fancy Nancy Apr. 13-May 6 Ripe Frenzy

TALES FROM THE ALTAMAHA Lyons

912-526-6445, www.talesfromthealtamaha.com Apr. 19,20,21,24,26,27,28 Tales from the Altamaha

TATER PATCH PRODUCTIONS Jasper

770-547-1096, www.tataerpatchplayers.com Apr. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 Death by Design

770-463-1110, www.serenbeplayhouse.com Mar. 28-Apr. 22 Disney’s The Little Mermaid May 31-Aug. 26 Peter Pan

THEATRE GUILD VALDOSTA

Fairburn, 770-969-0956, www.stgplays.com May 10-13, 17-20 First Things First

478-746-9485, www.theatremacon.com Apr. 6-15 A Midsummer Night’s Dream May 18-27 Waiting in the Wings

SOUTHSIDE THEATRE GUILD

SPRINGER THEATRE Columbus

229-247-8243, www.theartguildvaldosta.com Apr. 12-14, 19-2 Lend Me a Tenor

THEATRE MACON

706-324-5714, www.springeroperahouse.org Mar. 2-17 West Side Story Mar. 9-18 Jackie & Me Apr. 12-22 Perfect Arrangement Apr. 27-May 12 Last of the Red Hot Lovers

THEATRICAL OUTFIT

ST. MARYS LITTLE THEATRE

www.wrlt.org Apr. 20-22, 25-28 The Savannah Sipping Society (Comedy)

912-729-1103, www.stmaryslittletheatre.com Apr. 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 Guys and Dolls

Atlanta, 678-528-1500, www.theatricaloutfit.org Thru Mar. 11 Perfect Arrangement May 31-Jun 24 110 in the Shade

WARNER ROBINS LITTLE THEATRE 478-929-4579,

Events sometimes change, so please phone for information before driving long distances.

March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

13

T H E A T R E 

M U S I C 

D A N C E

S P O R T I N G E V E N T S

BASKETBALL

BASEBALL

Home Schedule

Home Schedule

Home Schedule

ATLANTA HAWKS

ATLANTA BRAVES

ROME BRAVES

Mar. 2. . . . . . . . . WARRIORS Mar. 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . SUNS Mar. 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . BULLS Mar. 13. . . . . . . . . . THUNDER Mar. 15. . . . . . . . . . HORNETS Mar. 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . 76ers Apr. 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . MAGIC Apr. 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HEAT Apr. 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . 76ers 404-249-6400 www.nba.com/hawks

HOCKEY Home Schedule

ATLANTA GLADIATORS

Mar. 2. . . . . . . . . WARRIORS Apr. 2-4 . . . . . . . NATIONALS Apr. 16-18 . . . . . . . . PHILLIES Apr. 19-22 . . . . . . . . . . METS Apr. 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . GIANTS May 15-17. . . . . . . . . . CUBS May 18-20. . . . . . . MARLINS May 28-30. . . . . . . . . . METS May 31-June 3. . NATIONALS 404-577-9100 www.atlantabraves.com

AUGUSTAGREENJACKETS

Apr. 12-15 . . . . . LEXINGTON Apr. 16-18 . . . . KANNAPOLIS Apr. 27-29 . . . . . . COLUMBIA May 9-11 . . . . . . . . . . . ROME May 12-15. . . GREENSBORO May 21-24. . . CHARLESTON May 25-28. . . . . . . . . . ROME

Mar. 7. . . . . . . SOLAR BEARS Mar. 13. . . . . . . STEELHEADS Mar. 15, 17. . . . . . . . ICEMEN Mar. 19. . . . . . . . STINGRAYS Mar. 28. . . . . . . . . . . . WINGS 706-736-7889 Apr. 6. . . . . . . SOLAR BEARS Apr. 7. . . . . SWAMP RABBITS www.greenjacketsbaseball.com 770-497-5100 www.atlantagladiators.com

BASEBALL Apr. 5-8 . . . . . HAGERSTOWN Apr. 9-11. . . . . CHARLESTON Apr. 19-22 . . . . . . . AUGUSTA May 1-3. . . . . . . LAKEWOOD May 4-7. . . . . . . . ASHEVILLE May 17-20. . . . . . ASHEVILLE May 29-31. . . . . . ASHEVILLE 706-368-9388 www.romebraves.com

COLUMBIA FIREFLIES Apr. 5-8 . . . . . . . . . AUGUSTA Apr. 9-11. . . . . HAGERSTOWN Apr. 19-22 . . . . . . . HICKORY May 1-3. . . . . . . LEXINGTON May 4-7. . . . . . . LAKEWOOD May 12-15. . . . . . DELMARVA May 21-24. . WEST VIRGINIA May 25-28. . . . GREENVILLE

803-726-4487 www.columbiaf ireflies.com Events sometimes change, so please phone for information before driving long distances.

2018 SCHEDULE REGULAR RIDES 3/10 - 9/24 11/4 - 12/31

(excluding Santa Express trips)

............................

SPECIAL RIDES

or 1-877-413-TRAIN (8724) 14 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

EASTER EGGSPRESS 3/31 ............................

FIRECRACKER SPECIAL 6/29 ............................

FALL FOLIAGE 9/28 - 11/3 ............................

HARVEST FESTIVAL 10/28 ............................

SANTA EXPRESS 11/23 - 11/25, 12/1, 12/2, 12/8, 12/9, 12/15, 12/16-12/23 ............................

NEW YEAR’S EVE 12/31

Georgia’s Moina Michael, Founder of Memorial Poppy Moina Michael (August 15, 1869-May 10, 1944) Born in Good Hope, Georgia, was the eldest daughter and second of the seven children of John Marion Michael and Alice Sherwood. She was educated at Braswell Academy in Morgan County, and the Lucy Cobb Institute and Georgia State Teachers College, both located in Athens. She was a professor at the University of Georgia when the U.S. entered World War I. She took a leave of absence from her work and volunteered to assist in the New York-based training headquarters for overseas YWCA workers. Through a lifetime of philanthropy and service, she became one of Georgia’s most famous women.

On November We Shall Keep the Faith 9, 1918, inspired by the Canadian John McCrae

by Moina Michael battlefront-theme poem In Flanders Fields, she published a poem in response called We Shall Keep the Faith. In Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields, tribute to the opening lines of McCrae’s poem . . . “In Sleep sweet — to rise anew!

Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses We caught the torch you threw row on row,” — Ms. Michael vowed to always wear a And holding high, we keep the Faith red poppy as a symbol of remembrance for those who With All who died. served in the war.

During World War I, much of the fighting took We cherish, too, the poppy red place in Western Europe. The Belgium Flanders, the That grows on fields where valor led; northernmost point of the Western Front during the It seems to signal to the skies First World War, became one of the most devastated That blood of heroes never dies, regions in the battlefield. The war turned the beautiful But lends a lustre to the red countrywide into a field of mud where nothing could Of the flower that blooms above the dead grow. But poppy flowers sprouted on the land of In Flanders Fields. thousands of dead men.

After the war was over, Ms. Michael returned to And now the Torch and Poppy Red the University of Georgia and taught a class of disabled We wear in honor of our dead servicemen. Realizing the need to provide financial and Fear not that ye have died for naught, occupational support for these servicemen, she pursued We’ll teach the lesson that ye wrought the idea of selling silk poppies as a means of raising In Flanders Fields. funds to assist disabled veterans.

26 – PINE MOUNTAIN – Summer Splash, FDR St. Pk. Pool. 706-663-4858.

19 – BLAIRSVILLE – Armed Forces Day, 26 – RICHMOND HILL – Memorial Day at Fort Downtown, 11am. 706-745-5493.

McAllister. 912-727-2339.

22 – AUGUSTA – Choral Society/Remember26 – ST. MARYS – Hello Summer Festival, ing & Honoring. Sacred Heart. 706-826-4713.

Waterfront Park. 912-882-4000.

23-25 – TYBEE ISLAND – Spring Internation26-27 – BLAIRSVILLE – Spring Arts & Crafts al Art. 6pm-9pm. 912-238-1453.

Festival, Dwntn. 706-745-5493.

25 – AUSTELL – Hurricane Harbor Opens at 26-27 – BLUE RIDGE – 41st Annual Arts in Six Flags Over Georgia. 770-948-9290. the Park, Downtown City Park. 706-632-2144.

25-27 – DECATUR – Decatur Arts Festival, 26-28 – ALPHARETTA – Arts Street Fest, Milton Square. 404-371-9583.

Ave. & Main St. 678-297-2811.

25-28 – STONE MOUNTAIN – Memorial Day 26-28 – DARIEN – Colonial Memorial CeleWeekend/Salute the Troops, St. Mt. Pk. 770-498-5690. brations, Fort King George. 912-437-4770.

26 – BLAIRSVILLE – Memorial Day Parade.

28 – MADISON – Memorial Day Ceremony, Downtown. 10am. 706-745-6341.

Town Park. 706-474-1199.

26 – FLOVILLA – Miniature Golf Tournament, 28 – MANCHESTER – Memorial Day Program, Indian Springs State Park. 770-504-2277.

The Old Mill, 11am. 706-977-9004.

26 – HELEN – Bavarianfest, Festhalle, 28 – MIDWAY – Memorial Day Commemora6-11pm. 706-878-2201. tion, Fort Morris. 912-884-5999.

28 – SMYRNA – Memorial Day, 20th Century 26 – JULIETTE – Family Farm Day at Jarrell Veterans Memorial, 9am. 770-434-6600.

Plantation. 478-986-5172.

March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 15

May

M E M O R I A L D A Y E V E N T S

E N T E R T A I N M E N T V E N U E S I N G E O R G I A

AARON’S AMPHITHEATRE LAKEWOOD Atlanta 404-443-5090, www.aaronamphitheatrelakwood.com May 25 Kendrick Lamar WSZA & Schoolboy May 26 Dave Matthews Band ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 404-733-4900, www.atlantasymphony.org Apr. 26-29 Prokofien & Beethoven May 5 Yo-yo Ma with the ASO May 31 Hillary Hahn Plays Tchaikovsky AUGUSTA ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX 706-722-3521, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com Mar. 2 Elevate the Stage Augusta Mar. 4 Wine Women and Shoes Mar. 8 POPS! A Night at the Cotton Club Mar. 9 Katt Williams Mar. 13 Daughtry Mar. 22 Winter Jam Mar. 23 Harlem Globetrotters Mar. 25 Disney’s Live! Mickey and Minnie

Doorway to Magic Mar. 31 Festival of Praise Presents

Texture of a Man Apr. 19 Thomas Rhett Apr. 22 Rockin’ Road to Dublin Apr. 28 90’s Block Party May 9 Whose Live Anyway?

May 16 Brian Wilson May 25 Sugarland CENTER FOR PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS Newnan, 770-254-2787, www.thecentreonline.net Mar. 4 The Olate Dogs Mar. 7 Amos Towles

CELLAIRIS AMPHITHEATER LAKEWOOD Atlanta, 404-443-5090 May 26 Dave Matthews Band CHASTAIN PARK AMPHITHEATER Atlanta, 888-292-8495, www.chastaintickets.com No events due to renovation and demolition CLASSIC CENTER Athens, 800-918-6393, www.classiccenter.com Mar. 9 Motown – The Musical Mar. 10 Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie

Doorway to Magic Apr. 19 The Sound of Music COLUMBUS CIVIC CENTER 706-494-8330, www.columbusciviccenter.org Mar. 1-4 Wonderful World of Disney on Ice Mar. 10 Yo Gotti Apr. 28 Cameo COBB ENERGY CENTRE Atlanta, 770-916-2800, www.cobbenergycentre.com Mar. 2, 4 The Daughter of the Regiment Mar. 3 Audra McDonald Mar. 9-10 Je’Caryous Johnson’s Set It Off Mar. 16-18 Atlanta Ballet: Black Swan Mar. 23 Eddie B Mar. 24 Atlanta Blues Festival Mar. 25 Maks, Val & Peta Mar. 30 Festival of Praise: Fred Hammond,

Take 6 & James Fortune Mar. 31 Darren Knight Apr. 2 Tavis Smiley: Death of a King A Live Theatrical Experience Apr. 4-8 Shen Yun Performing Arts Apr. 13-15 Atlanta Ballet: Tutu Apr. 28-May 6 Carmen May 11-13 Atlanta Ballet:

Bach to Broadway—Who Cares?

COBB GALLERIA CENTRE Atlanta, 700-955-8000, www.cobbgalleria.com Mar. 11-12 Tradeshow, the Curator of Fashion Mar. 16-18 American Craft Show Mar. 18 Woodworking Shows Mar. 18 Model Train Show Mar. 23-25 Home Show Apr. 21-22 Annual Alive! Expo Atlanta Apr. 27-28 Pinners Conference and Expo May 19-20 Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo FOX THEATRE Atlanta, 404-881-2100, www.foxtheatre.org Mar. 2 Mercy Me & Tenth Avenue North Mar. 3-4 Neighborhood Barbershop Mar. 9 Celtic Woman Mar. 13-18 Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder Apr. 6-7 Stomp Apr. 13-15 Alabama & Charlie Daniels Band Apr. 17-22 Something Rotten Apr. 27 90’s Block Party May 2 Yanni May 4-5 Joe Bonamassa May 6 Todrick Hall May 16 Primus & Mastodon May 19 Chris Thile: A Prairie Home Companion May 22-June 10 Hamilton HERITAGE SANDY SPRINGS 404-851-9111, www.heritagesandysprings.org Apr. 7 Rhythm & Brews

16 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FAIRGROUNDS Hiawassee 706-896-4191, www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com Mar. 3 Gene Watson, Johnny Lee, Ronnie McDowell Mar. 24 Southern Uprising Tour Apr. 27 Jeremy Camp Apr. 28 Montgomery Gentry INFINITE ENGERY CENTER Duluth 770-813-7500, www.info@InfiniteEnergyCenter.com Mar. 3 Harlem Globetrotters Mar. 3-4 Log & Timber Home Show Mar. 3-4 Maleficent & Aurora-The Beginning Mar. 4 Ricardo Arjona Mar 9-11 Peter Pan Mar. 10-11 Professional Bull Riders Mar. 17-18 Swan Lake Mar. 30-31 Ga. First Robotics Competition Mar. 31 Travels Around China:

Circles of Love & Departure Apr. 8 The Face of Homeless Apr. 14 Broadway Cabaret Apr. 14 Lorde Apr. 21 Little Big Town Apr. 29 Azadi – Freedom Through Dance Apr. 29 Chris Tomlin May 5-6 Dancing Lion King May 5 Kappa Derby May 9 The Naked Truth May 11 Justine Timberlake May 18 Cappella May 22 Khalid: The Roxy Tour May 28 U2 LUCAS THEATRE Savannah, 912-525-5050. www.lucastheatre.com Mar. 31 Bela Fleck Apr. 10 Rosanne Cash PHILIPS ARENA Atlanta, 404-878-3000. www.philipsarena.com Mar. 8 Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge,

Carly Pearce & Trace Adkins Mar. 10 Harlem Globetrotters Mar. 16 Katt Williams Mar. 17 The Queens of Hip-Hop Mar. 18 Romeo Santos Apr. 8 Kevin Hart Apr. 20 Bon Jovi Apr. 21 Pink

2018 Georgia Women of Achievement

RIALTO CENTER Atlanta, 404-413-9TIX, www.rialtocenter.org Mar. 3 Ladysmith Black Mambazo Mar. 24 Capital Steps Apr. 13, 15 A Little Night Music Apr. 20 Rene’ Marie & GA State Univ. Jazz Band Apr. 28 Larry Harlow & The Latin Legends Band RIVERCENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Columbus, 706-256-3600, www.rivercenter.org Mar. 3 Moscow Festival Ballet Cinderella Mar. 5 US Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus Mar. 6-7 Dragons Love Mar. 10 Olate Dogs Mar. 16 CSO Sleeping Beauty Mar. 20-21 Motown The Musical Mar. 24 The Carnival Live Apr. 7 Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin III Apr. 17-18 The Sound of Music Apr. 21 CSO Verdi’s Requiem Apr. 26 Urban Bush Women – Hair Stories 3.3 May 12 The Rainbow Fish ROSWELL CULTURAL ARTS CENTER 770-594-6232. www.roswellgov.com Mar. 3, 10, 17 Miss Nelson is Missing Mar. 23-25 Mary Poppins & Beauty & the Beast Mar. 30-31 Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Apr. 1, 21, 28 Jungle Book May 11-12 Lollipops for Breakfast

E N T E R T A I N M E N T V E N U E S

SAUTEE-NACOOCHEE CENTER 706-878-3300, www.snca.org Mar. 10 Hiroya Tsukamoto Mar. 24 A Musical Evening with Lisa Q. Mount Apr. 14 Diane Durrett in Concert SAVANNAH CIVIC CENTER 800-351-7469, www.savannahcivic.com Apr. 21 Annual Savannah Blues Festival Apr. 28 Platinum Comedy Tour, Mike Epps,

DeRay Davis, Michael Blackson, Tony Rock

I N

STRAND THEATRE Marietta, 770-293-0080. www.earlsmithsstrand.org Mar. 19-22 The Wizard of Oz Mar. 31 Portraits of Porgy & Bess Apr. 12-15 Murder at the Strand

G E O R G I A

VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE Atlanta, 404-733-5010, www.vzwamp.com Apr. 17 Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band May 19 Steely Dan & The Dobbie Brothers

FILM & TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE April 8-9, 2018

Enter a film in the Short Film Festival Register early for best rates For details, to submit, or to register, visit

BigPictureCon.com!

March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

17

The Eagle Has Landed at Berry College Georgia’s Berry College, home to the only live bald eagle nest cam in the state, recently welcomed a new baby eagle for Valentine’s Day. Named B10, the eagle hatched late 2/12/18. A second eaglet hatched around 10:28 on Valentine’s Day and they are stealing hearts across the state through the Berry College Cam live.

Berry College’s bald eagle couple first appeared on the main campus in the spring of 2012. Since that time, they have continued to nest in the top of a tall pine tree situated between the main entrance and the parking lot of the Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center. They successfully produced two eaglets (B1 and B2) in 2013, one eaglet (B3) in 2014, two eaglets (B4 and B5) in 2015, two eaglets (B6 and B7) in 2016 and two eaglets (B8 and B9) in 2017.

It is believed that the bald eagles remain in the area during the summer months and do not migrate as there is plentiful food available from lakes, the Berry quarry and the nearby Oostanaula River. They have occasionally been sighted at or near the nest during the summer, probably to ensure that other animals know it is occupied.

Come join us for a wee bit of Scotland here in the Beautiful North Georgia Mountains 15th Annual

BLAIRSVILLE SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES Schedule of Events Kilted Classic 5K Fun Run June 8 8am

Ceilidh (ka-lé) June 8

Courthouse on the Square

Park Festivities June 9-10

At Meeks Park

Athletic Games•Ceremonies•Scottish Dance LIVE Music•Good Food•Workshops Clan Gatherings•Kid Stuff•Genealogy Tent LIVE Demos•Animals

www.BlairsvilleScottishFestival.com

18 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

Festival at Lake Meriwether

April 14 & 15

Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 11am - 4pm

Arts & Crafts Vendors Fantastic Festival Food Live Music & Entertainment Children’s Activities Pony rides & Petting zoo •Shopping •Dining •Recreation We’re on Facebook!

Warm Springs Annual Spring Fling 2018

770-990-6406

Email: warmspringsmerchants association@hotmail.com

Open-Air Meriwether

Saturday

June 9, 2018 9am-6pm

Great Entertainment Including Well-Known Headliner Band!

Kids Activities

(fee charged for some activities)

Plein-Air Painting April 12-14, 2018

•Visitors can watch talented artists paint at selected venues around the county •Wet Canvas Sale at Artisans on the Square, Greenville, GA Sunday, April 15 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm •Free to public •Exhibit ends May 6, 2018 For more information

404-386-1328

Email: lgwilburn@bellsouth.net Web site:

meriwethertourism.com

Live Entertainment Helicopter Rides (fee charged) Arts & Crafts Georgia Grown Produce Homemade Peach Ice Cream Yummy Food Admission: $3 per person kids under 10 free

Contact info:

706-655-2558 meriwethertourism.com meriwethertourism@windstream.net Sponsored by:

Spring is Breaking O Arts in the Park Festival in Blue Ridge

The 42nd Annual Arts in the Park Festival in Blue Ridge on May 26-27 will feature over 175 booths of juried fine art and fine handmade crafts, artists’ demonstrations, and food. Some of the finest artists in the Southeast will be exhibiting paintings, photography, mixed media, jewelry, glass, pottery, woodworking, sculpture, folk art, basketry, metal work, and more. Inside of The Art Center, home to the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, there will be several exhibits on display including the Southern Appalachian Artist’s Guild’s “Celebration of Artisans” Member Show and an art exhibit by Artist-In-Residence Chloe Grusenmeyer.

The festival will be held in City Park in historic Downtown Blue Ridge in the North Georgia Mountains. Festival hours will be Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Admission will be $5 with children 12 and under admitted free for the entire weekend.

The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, a non-profit arts council and host of the festival, boasts over 900+ artist members and is housed in the historic County Courthouse. Located only 90 minutes north of Atlanta, the Art Town of Blue Ridge offers unique shops, galleries, restaurants, craft breweries, community theater, Scenic Railway, drive-in theater, and national forests with a variety of outdoor activities.

For more information, phone 706-632-2144, e-mail blueridgearts@gmail.com, or visit www.blueridgearts.net. For area information, visit festival sponsor, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce at www.blueridgemountains.com or call 706-632-5680.

Mar. 6, 20 – AUGUSTA – Music Live, St. Paul’s Church, 12n. 706-722-3463.

Mar. 8, Apr. 12, May 10 – ELLIJAY Mar. 1, Apr. 5, May 3 – AUGUSTA – – Cherry Log Pickin’, Gilmer Senior CenFirst Thursday, Shops Along Kings Way. ter. 706-635-3786.

706-773-1788.

Mar. 10, Apr. 14, May 12 – ALBANY – Mar. 2, Apr. 6, May 4 – AUGUSTA – Freedom Singers, Civil Rights Inst., 1pm.

First Friday, Downtown, 5-9pm. 706-826866-750-0840.

4702.

Mar. 10-May 31 – BLUE RIDGE – Mar. 2, Apr. 6, May 4 – BRUNSWICK Scenic Railway. Call for schedule. Easter – First Friday, Downtown, 5-8pm. 912Eggspress Apr. 15.

265-4032.

Mar. 11, Apr. 15, 28, May 12, 19, Mar. 2, Apr. 6, May 4 – SAVANNAH – June 10, 23 – WARM SPRINGS – SancFirst Friday Fireworks, River Street. 912tuary Tours, 961 Whitehouse Parkway.

234-0295. www.fcfsanctuary.org.

Mar. 2, Apr. 6, May 4 – THOMASMar. 16-25 – MACON – International VILLE – First Friday, Downtown, 6-9pm.

Cherry Blossom Festival. 478-330-7050.

229-277-7020.

Mar. 24, 31, May 19, 26 – ST. MARYS Mar. 2, 11, 24, Apr. 21, 29, May 5 – – Railroad Company Train Excursions.

SAVANNAH – Philharmonic Orchestra.

912-200-5235.

912-525-5050.

Mar. 29-Apr. 1 – WINDER – 18th Mar. 2-Apr. 14 – CORDELE – SAM Century Market Faire, Fort Yargo St. Shortline Excursion Train, various dates.

Park. 770-867-3481.

Call for schedule. 877-ga-rails.

Apr. 14-Jun. 3 – FAIRBURN – RenaisMar. 2-May 26 – WOODBINE – Opry, sance Festival. Weekends. 770-964-8575.

Fri. & Sat., 7-10pm. 912-576-3027.

20 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

Monthly Events in Georgia

Out All Over Georgia

Celebrating 25 Years of the Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival The Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival is held annually in Thomson, paying homage to the twangy tunes of roots music and, specifically, the talent of Georgia Music Hall of Famer and McDuffie County native, Blind Willie McTell. The festival, scheduled for May 5, 2018 has been going strong since 1993, and is still staged in the same grassy field where it debuted. Attendees and performers make the festival an annual pilgrimage; it’s a “can’t miss” experience. The event is a celebration of roots music, the kind of musical event Blind Willie himself would have really enjoyed.

This year’s lineup will include J D McPherson, Samantha Fish, Amy Helm and Handsome Strangers, Kenny Neal, Randall Bramblett, Blind Boy Paxton. Take a blanket or chair for seating; no coolers, food, drink, or pets permitted.

While in Thomson, visit the gravesite of McTell on Happy Valley Road adjoining Jones Grove Baptist Church. Tickets are on sale now at www.blindwillie.com.

Merritt Pecan Company in Weston Merritt Pecan Company, located on Hwy. 520 in Weston, specializes in farm-fresh pecans and offers a large selection of items including pecans, pecan candies, brittle, divinity, jams, jellies, sauces, souvenirs, homemade pies and cakes, t-shirts, cookbooks, and gift baskets. The pecans are grown and harvested on their farms and processed at their plant.

The company, in business since 1980, is halfway between Albany and Columbus. It has a Chevron Foodmart and offers convenience store items, BBQ sandwiches, hot wings, hot dogs, cheeseburger dogs, sausage biscuits, and other food items. The store also offers a picnic area with tables for customers, an inside ATM, clean restrooms, walking area for dogs, and bus and camper parking. Local produce items, ranging from peas to peaches, are available when in season. Football fans will find souvenir items for Georgia, Auburn, and other local teams ranging from books to back scratchers.

Merritt Pecan Company, reminiscent of a general store, is decorated with memorabilia, has a display of John Deere toys inside, and an antique tractor barn with John Deere tractors and other antique tools. The store is open from 7am-7pm daily except for Christmas Day. Visit www.merritt-pecan.com or phone 800-762-9152.

Monthly Events in Georgia

March

May 3, 10, 17, 24 – McCAYSVILLE 2 – TIFTON – Rhythm & Ribs BBQ – Pickin’ in Horseshoe Bend Park, 6pm.

Festival, Fulwood Park. 229-382-8700.

706-632-7696.

2-3 – COMMERCE – Folk to Fine Arts May 3-31 – SAVANNAH – Tea in the Festival, Downtown. 706-335-6417.

Garden, Davenport House, Thurs/Fri. 2-4 – DUBLIN – Pig in the Park BBQ 877-savannah.

Contest & Concert. 478-272-5546.

June 2-July 5 – PINE MOUNTAIN – 3 – HINESVILLE – Small World FestiFSU Flying High Circus, Callaway Garval. 912-877-4332. dens. 800-callaway.

(Continued on the next page) March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 21

The Hiwassee River Railroad Ride the historic Hiwassee River Railroad scenic rail excursion through the unspoiled Cherokee National Forest, along the beautiful Hiwassee River, and through the secluded Hiwassee River Gorge. All trips feature the engineering marvel, the Great Hiwassee Loop.

At the top you’ll pass over a bridge 62 feet above the tracks on which you’ve just traveled as the rails negotiate a spiraling formation.

All trips begin with a short bus trip from the restored L&N Depot & Museum in Etowah, TN. For those riders choosing a trip to Copperhill, the route continues beyond Farner through Turtletown and Ducktown to the border towns of Copperhill, TN and McCaysville, GA. The trains feature comfortable coach seating with large viewing windows for standard service. Dome seating allows passengers a panoramic view from high above the car.

Observation lounge seating provides a unique view from the car at the rear of the train in one direction. While traveling in the other direction, the car will be directly behind the locomotive.

Special rates are available for groups of 25 or more; charter trips can be arranged for groups of 80 or more. For information, phone 423-894-8028, x0 or visit www.tvrail.com.

Attic Sale, Fairgrounds. 706-736-0033.

3-4 – VALDOSTA – South Ga. Film Festival, 1500 N. Patterson St. 229-219-1290.

3 – JEKYLL ISLAND – Red Hot Chili 4 – ELLIJAY – Bluegrass Jam 2-5pm.

Cook-off. 912-261-9595.

770-906-4408.

3 – JULIETTE – Antique Steam En8-10 – CARTERSVILLE – S.E. Cowboy gine Demonstrations, Jarrell Plantation.

Gathering, Booth Museum. 770-387-1300.

478-986-5172.

8-10 – SAVANNAH – Savannah 3-4 – AUGUSTA – Junior League Stopover Music Festival. 877-savannah.

8-11 – BRUNSWICK – Georgia Elvis Festival, Ritz Theatre & other locations.

888-406-5885.

9 – SAVANNAH – Greening of Forsyth Park Fountain, Noon. 912-234-4804.

9-10 – DUBLIN – Irish Balloon Festival & Glow, Southern Pines Ag & Expo Ctr. 478-272-4002.

9-10 – PERRY TO JEKYLL – PeachCome and meet our beautiful es to Beaches Antiques/Yard Sale (200M). rescued farm animals and 478-988-8000. let them change your life!

9-11 – WAYCROSS – Swamptown Getdown Music/Arts Festival, Okefenokee Events • Tours Fairgrounds, Waycross. 912-288-3712.

Classes • Advocacy 10 – BLUE RIDGE – Bowls of Hope (soup, pottery), Willow Creek Falls, 1-4pm. 706-946-1001.

FullCircleFarmSanctuary.org 10 – CARTERSVILLE – Heritage info@fcfsanctuary.org Programs, Etowah Indian Mounds. 770WARM SPRINGS, GA 382-0158.

10 – SAVANNAH – Tara Feis Irish Celebration, Emmet Park. 912-651-6417.

10 – SAVANNAH – Spring Celebration and Sheep Shearing, Oatland Island Wildlife Center.

10-11 – FORSYTH – Forsythia Festival, Downtown. 478-994-9239.

22 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

March

Chillin’ on the Choo-Choo in St. Marys On the St. Marys Express, the impossible occurs on a surprisingly regular basis.

An authentic diesel locomotive puts you in the middle of the action at the shootout at the Ok Corral. The Tooth Fairy and Jack Frost rescue Peter Cottontail from bumbling kidnappers who are after his magic eggs. George Washington and Robert E. Lee come alive to remind us of what a real American hero looks like. Clearly, time travel is an everyday occurrence on the rails of St. Marys, Georgia.

Whether taking a journey into yesteryear or tomorrow, a ride on the St. Marys Express is always filled with smiles and laughter and sometimes even tears when the heart strings are tugged by inspirational performances or patriotic song.

The St. Marys Express is all about history, adventure, and most of all fun—fun for all ages. Riding the rails into scenic woodlands and over picturesque marshlands is just a small slice of what the captivating train ride entails. The 2018 season is destined to be another record breaking year with new excursions added including the Storybook Express. Visit www.stmarysrailroad.com for the entire schedule or call 912-200-5235.

March

10 – 17 – CONYERS – Tykes, Tots, Teens Consignment Sale, Ga. Int’l Horse Park. 770-483-4411.

10-11 – JEKYLL ISLAND – Arts Festival, Historic District. 912-635-3920.

11 – SAVANNAH – Celtic Cross Ceremony, Emmet Park, 1pm. 912-233-4804.

16 – CONYERS – St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Olde Town, 4:30pm. 700-783-4411.

16-17 – FITZGERALD – Wild Chicken Festival. 800-386-4642.

16-25 – MACON – International Cherry Blossom Festival, 140 Willie Smokie Glover Dr. 478-330-7050.

17 – BLUE RIDGE – St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Downtown. 706-455-7686.

Concert of Choral Music, St. Luke’s

Episcopal Church. 706-632-8245.

17 – DUBLIN – St. Patrick’s Parade, 10am-11:30am. 478-272-4002.

17 – FORT VALLEY – Peach Blossom Festival, Lane Southern Orchards.

10am-5pm. 800-27peach.

17 – SAVANNAH – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on River St. 877-savannah.

17 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Christ Church, Federica Annual Tour of Homes.

912-638-8683.

17-18 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Arts & Crafts market, Postell Pk. 912-262-0628.

18 – WOODBINE – Satilla Jazz ‘n Arts, Satilla River Waterfront Park. 912576-1162.

19 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Jewish Food & Culture Festival, Morningstar Marina. 912-265-7575.

Vidalia Onion Festival • April 26-29, 2018

cooking events, arts & crafts, 5k & 10k runs, 2 concert nights, fireworks

vidaliaonionfestival.com • 912-538-8687 March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

23

Clayton is a Great Georgia Mountain Destination Historic Clayton is a charming town set in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains.

Surrounded by lakes, waterfalls and hiking trails, downtown is filled with award-winning restaurants, wineries, sports bars, B&Bs, upscale home décor shops, galleries, antiques and clothing boutiques. Only 90 miles from Asheville, Greenville and Atlanta, Clayton is one of the best-kept secrets in Georgia.

Spring is a great time to visit, with blooming trees and flowers, warm weather and sunshine. Our annual outdoor arts festival, Celebrate Clayton, will be held April 28th and 29th. The Farmers Market’s opening day is April 28 as well. To benefit Paws for Life, the annual Fur Ball takes place June 2nd.

Summer is very lively, with boating on the nearby lakes, camping, outdoor dining downtown with live music, and shopping until you drop. The annual Clayton Crawl, held July14th, is your opportunity to taste all the food and beverages from local restaurants, wineries and bars.

To complement that, the Painted Fern arts festival is on the 14th and 15th.

So leave the traffic and worries behind, and come visit Clayton and clear your mind.

Escape to our quaint little town. The surrounding beauty will take your breath away! www.downtownclaytonga.org.

March

22-25 – SAVANNAH – Tour of Homes and Gardens. 912-234-8054.

24 – CLEVELAND – Easter Eggstravaganza, Babyland General Hospital, Parade Downtown. 706-865-5356.

24 – JEKYLL ISLAND – Easter Egg Roll, Historic District. 877-4jekyll.

24 – OMAHA – Festival by the Lake/ Easter Egg Hunt, Florence Marina, Omaha, 10am-4pm. 229-838-4706.

24 – ST. MARYS – Peter Cottontail Express, St. Marys Railroad. www.St. MarysRailroad.com

24 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Colonial Days Living History Festival, 6515 Frederica Rd. 912-638-3639.

24 – THE ROCK – Easter Eggstravaganza, 5020 Barnesville Hwy., 11am4pm. 706-647-6374.

24-25 – DAHLONEGA – Dahlonega Literary Festival, 91 N. Park St. 706-8679607.

24-25 – MACON – Mulberry Street Arts Festival. 478-744-9557.

25-26 – CONYERS – Cherry Blossom Festival, Ga. Int’l Horse Pk. 770-602-2606.

29-Apr. 1 – WINDER – Colonial Reenactment. Ft. Yargo St. Pk. 770-87-3489.

24 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

Celebrate Spring at Lane Orchards Come celebrate Georgia’s sweetest season and the arrival of the first peach blossoms at Lane Southern Orchards in Fort Valley, GA. Their 6th annual Peach Blossom Festival is on Saturday, March 17th from 10am-5pm. Kids can play all day in the kids play zone with six huge attractions (3 and under are FREE). A $12 armband gets unlimited access all day. Stroll through rows of local arts & crafts vendors selling their wares. Fill up on BBQ, Brunswickstew, Philly cheese steak, sausage dogs, shrimp and grits, cotton candy and more. Live entertainment all day will feature local up-and-coming young artists. Josh Courson plays at 12:30 and Kaleigh Courson and Dixon Road hit the stage at 3:00!

Come and have some fun at Lane Southern Orchards on Saturday, March 17th from 10am-5pm. The you-pick strawberry patch opens on April 2nd from 10am-5pm. Teachers call and book your fun and educational tours now. Book your child’s next Birthday Party on the Farm and the birthday child picks for free and gets a t-shirt.

Take I-75 to exit 142 in Fort Valley, GA. For more information call 800-277-3224!

March

30-Apr. 1 – CLEVELAND – Easter Festival at N. Ga. Zoo. 706-348-7279.

31 – BLUE RIDGE – Easter Eggspress, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

1-877-413-8724.

31 – BOSTON – Annual Boston Spring Fling & Auction, Downtown Historic Dist. 9am-2pm. 229-498-6743.

31 – FORSYTH – Taste of Forsyth, Cumming Fairgrounds, 11am-5pm. 770781-3491.

31 – ST. MARYS – Peter Cottontail Express, St. Marys Railroad. www.St. MarysRailroad.com 31 – WASHINGTON – Spring Festival & Tour of Homes. 706-678-2013.

Festival. 478-783-1717.

12-14 – MERIWETHER COUNTY – Plein-Air Painting. Various venues. 404386-1328.

13-14 – SAVANNAH – NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens. www.gardenclubof savanna.org.

13-15 – DARIEN – Blessing of the Fleet Festival. 912-437-6684.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 10 AM - 3 PM

April

3-15 – CLEVELAND – Springtime Festival at North Ga. Zoo. 706-348-7279.

6-7 – BLUE RIDGE – Blue Ridge Writer’s Conference. 706-632-2144.

6-7 – WAYCROSS – Swampfest, 5-11pm Fri; Sat. 9am-10:30pm. 912-287-2969.

7 – ATHENS – UGA International Street Festival, Dwntwn. 706-542-5867.

7 – HELEN – Taste of the Town, Unicoi Lodge. 800-858-8027.

7 – IRWINTON – Banana Pudding Festival, 126 East Main St. 478-9461501.

7 – MORROW – Wild Azalea Festival, 5665 Reynolds Rd. 770-603-4188.

7 – SUMMERVILLE – Depot Spring Market, 10am-3pm. 706-859-0900.

7-8 – HAWKINSVILLE – Harness

FAMILY FUN FOR ALL AGES • Live Entertainment • 100 Year Anniversary Depot Celebration • Arrival of TVRM Passenger Train • Kids Miniature Train Rides • Tons of Craft & Retail Vendors • Try Some Farm-Raised Gator • BBQ • Lots of Food • Free Admission

Located at the historic sumerviLLe depot 119 EAST WASHINGTON STREET SUMMERVILLE, GA

706-859-0900, ext. 1337 www.summervillega.org

March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

25

Ocmulgee Wild Hog Festival in Abbeville The 27th annual Ocmulgee Wild Hog Festival will be held Saturday, May 12, in Abbeville on Lions Park Hwy. 280. Among the events will be an exciting Hog Baying contest and a children’s pig chase. Browse through over 100 arts and crafts booths and over 25 food booths. Enjoy all kinds of good music and other entertainment including line dancing, clogging, bands, and singing. There will be kiddie rides, ponies, an antique tractor show, and more. To participate in the Poker Run, contact David Cummings at 478-2625536. Gates will open at 9am. Admission will be $2 for all ages. Parking will be free.

Abbeville, the Wild Hog Capital of Georgia, is located 30 miles east of Cordele at the intersection of US 280 and 129. From I-75 take exit 101.

For more information, visit http://www.hogfestival.com/About-The-Festival.html.

Summerville Spring Market and 100 Year Depot Anniversary

Come celebrate the arrival of spring and celebrate the 100 Year Summerville Depot Anniversary April 7 at Spring Market At The Depot! Tons of vendors will be on site with a wide variety of merchandise and goods.

Enjoy live entertainment, birthday cake, and for train enthusiasts, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Passenger Train is scheduled to arrive at the depot between 12:30-1pm. The Summerville Turntable can be caught in action, turning the majestic steam engine, just after the arrival of the train. A miniature train will be boarding at the depot, offering rides to young and old throughout the day. Specialty, retail, craft, and food vendors from Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, as well as local, will be on hand. The first 2,000 attendees will receive a commemorative wooden nickle.

Market hours are 10am-3pm. Admission April and parking is free.

13-22 – MACON – Fired Works: RegionFor more information contact Sumal Ceramics Exhibit/Sale. 478-743-6940. merville Main Street at 706-859-0900 Ext 14 – TALLAPPOOSA – Dogwood 1337 or visit www.summervillega.org.

Festival, Head Ave. 770-574-2482.

14-15 – COLUMBUS – Paddle South, 1320 Bay Ave. 706-681-3162.

14-15 –PERRY – Hot Air Balloon Rally, CONYERS, GEORGIA Ga. Nat’l F airgrounds. 478-988-8000.

14-15 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – FRIDAY, MARCH 16 Glynn Art in the Park, Festival, Postell ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Park. 912-638-8770.

Shenanigans start at 4:00 p.m.

FREE Admission & Parking 14-15 – WARM SPRINGS – Spring Fling Festival, Broad Street, Sat. 10amMARCH 24 - 25 6pm; Sun. 10am-5pm. 706-655-3322.

10 A.M. - 5 P.M. 15-23 – ROME – Passion Play, North FREE Admission & $5 Parking Rome Church of God. 706-291-6687.

ConyersCherryBlossomFest.com 19-22 – HARTWELL – Antique Boat Festival, Marina Rd., 10am-3pm. 706-376-5441.

SATURDAY, MAY 5 20 – HINESVILLE – Earth Day Cele11 A.M. - 4 P.M. bration, 201 Mary Lou Dr. 912-880-4888.

Food • Music • Kids Activities 20-21 – MOULTRIE – Spring Fling & & Car Show FREE Admission & Parking BBQ Cook Off, 1 N. Main St. 229-890-5455.

901 RAILROAD ST, CONYERS GA 30012 20-22 – AUGUSTA – Sacred Heart 800-CONYERS • VisitConyersGA.com Download the free mobile app - Guide to Conyers Garden Festival. 706-826-4700.

Celebrate With Us!

26 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

The Vidalia Onion Festival Vidalia will celebrate the harvest of Georgia’s Official State Vegetable, the famous Vidalia® Onion, April 26-29. The festival will kick off on Thursday with a children’s parade and an outdoor showing of the Despicable Me 3 movie. The opening ceremonies, street dance, and fireworks are on Friday night at the Stage at City Park in downtown featuring the bands Mo’ Soul and “Indulgence”. Saturday brings arts & crafts, sidewalk sales, the famous onion-eating contest, the Kiwanis Onion Run, carnival, and more.

Don’t miss the Culinary Extravaganza (on Tues.

April 24th), the Chuck Wagon Cook-Off, and the Vidalia Onion Recipe Contest and Public Tasting.

Headlining the 41st Annual Vidalia Onion Festival is the singer/songwriter, Phil Vassar, performing some of his hits like “Carlene,” “Last Day of My Life,” “American Child” and “Just Another Day in Paradise.” Music begins Saturday on the Stage at City Park at 4pm with Pine Box Dwellers, Southern Halo, Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones, and Love & Theft.

Advanced tickets are available for $15 online at https://www.freshtix.com/events/ vof-concert. Tickets also available at the gate on the day of the concert.

For information, contact the Vidalia Convention & Visitors Bureau at 912-538-8687 or www.vidaliaonionfestival.com.

April

27-28 – WOODBINE – Crawfish Festival, Downtown. 912-576-3113.

27-29 – BRASELTON – Antique & Artisan Festival, Downtown. 706-824-7204.

28 – BLUE RIDGE – Trout Festival & Outdoor Adventures, City Park, Downtown. 706-632-5680.

20-22 – LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN – Earth Day, Rock City Gardens, 10am3pm. 706-820-2531/ 800-854-0675.

21 – BLUE RIDGE – Taste of Blue Ridge, Willow Creek Falls. 5-8pm. 706632-5224.

21 – COLQUITT – National Mayhaw Festival. 229-758-2400.

21 – GREENSBORO – Southland Jubilee, Downtown. 706-453-7674.

21 – JOHNS CREEK – Int’l Festival, 1930 Bobby Jones Dr. 404-370-2044.

21 – PEACHTREE CORNERS – Art on the Jones Bridge Pk. 678-277-0920.

21 – TIFTON – Arts in Black Festival, Fulwood Pk., 10am-10pm. 229-329-1386.

21-22 – DAHLONEGA – Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, 13 S. Park St. 706-864-9007.

24 – VIDALIA – Culinary Extravaganza, PAL Theatre, 122 Church St. 912-293-2407.

24-25 – BLAIRSVILLE – Mountain Home Show, North Ga. Tech. College.

706-439-6300.

26-28 – CARTERSVILLE – N. Ga. Flint Knappers & Primitive Arts Festival.

770-304-8760.

26-28 – THOMASVILLE – Rose Show & Festival, various locations. 229-227-7020.

26-29 – VIDALIA – Vidalia Onion Festival. 912-538-8687.

27-28 – CALHOUN – BBQ Boogie & Blues, 300 S. Wall St. 706-625-3200.

March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

27

Toast of Toccoa The second annual Toast of Toccoa, Regional Art, Craft Beer and Wine Festival, held Saturday, May 5th from noon until 5pm features dozens of artisans from the Currahee Artists Guild and other regional arts organizations displaying their artwork throughout the downtown area. Visitors can meet with the individual artists and purchase selected pieces of art.

The event also features craft beer from several regional brewers, as well as wine tastings from wellknown North Georgia vineyards, including Toccoa’sown Currahee Vineyards. Selected local area restaurants will have booths featuring specialty food items for sale.

Live music will be featured throughout the day on two different stages. Toast of Toccoa takes place along Doyle and Sage Streets in Historic Downtown Toccoa. Admission is free. Tokens will be sold for craft beer and regional vineyard wine tastings. For information visit www.mainstreettoccoa.com.

Folk to Fine Arts Festival in Commerce

The 7th Annual Folk-to-Fine Arts Festival will bring remarkable one-of-a-kind Folk and Fine Artists to Historic Downtown Commerce on March 2-3. There will be over 70 artists offering fine art, including oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors, sculpture, photography, pottery, jewelry, decorative fiber works, metal works, paper, stone, and more.

The setting for the festival will be the historic Commerce Civic Center on State Street, originally the Commerce Cotton Exchange. A Meet the Artist Sip & Shop Reception will be held from 5-9pm at which time visitors can meet the artists, enjoy a light reception with complimentary drinks, and have the first chance to shop. Reception admission will be $15.

The festival will be open Saturday from 10am-5pm. Admission will be $10 per person with children 10 and under free. There will be an a variety of booths featuring a wide array of folk and fine art in various different mediums. Come and soak up the southern charm of this beautiful north Georgia town during your stay.

For more information, phone 706-335-6417 or visit www.folk-finearts.com, or e-mail ftfa@commercega.org.

59th Annual

Putnam County Dairy Festival

April

28 – GAINESVILLE – Spring Chicken Festival & Chicken Cook-Off, Downtown, 10am-4pm. 770-297-1141/770-531-6598.

28 – MADISON – Madison Fest. Town Park. 706-342-1251.

Sat. 2018 28 – PINE MOUNTAIN – Symphony in Road Races • Parade the Sand/Columbus Symphony, Callaway Arts & Crafts Fair Gardens, 8pm.

Speakers • BBQ 28 – REYNOLDS – Strawberry FestiEntertainment • Food val Music and Dinner in the Park. DownFree Ice Cream & Milk town. 478-847-5301.

Rides & Games 28 – SHARON – Sharon ShenaniAntique Tractors gans, Community Center. 706-816-3844.

28-29 – BLUE RIDGE – Spring FesEATONTON, GA tival Arts & Crafts Sale, State Farmers Sponsored by the Pilot Club of Eatonton, GA, Inc. Market. 423-761-9985.

706-473-0763 28-29 – CLAYTON – Celebrate Clayton www.putnamcountydairyfestival.com Art Festival, N. Main St. 706-212-9958.

28 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

June 2

It is time! “For the love of Mud!” at the Georgia JugFest Georgia Jug Festival and Old Knoxville Days celebrates annually with a festival bringing history to life on Saturday, May 19. The area has the right clay and sand mixture and is sought by artists and jug makers. For more than 100 years pottery was a huge part of the area’s economy.

Now, it is celebrated as a collectible folk art.

A three day family friendly event begins with the opening of the pottery exhibit on Thursday evening, May 17. An Art Show and Bird House Contest Winners will be at the Old Courthouse and Historical Society house on Wright Avenue. Friday, May 18, Lunch and Learn will provide a minds-eye of color to the historic attractions in our county and historic stories and people.

The community wood-burning kiln located in Knoxville and in the Knoxville Bottom, will have been fired up the week before. The pottery from the kiln firing will be on sale on the morning of Saturday, May 19.

The main event on Saturday, will feature the pottery exhibit, pottery ID with regional experts, pottery vendors, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, benefit pottery auction, kiln sale, antique tractor show, lawn mower races, historical displays and demonstrations, children’s activities, student art exhibit, historic building tours and live entertainment stage. Most events are free. Parking is free.

For more details, visit www.gajugfestival.com, or call Roberta Crawford County Chamber of Commerce at 478-836-3825. This festival is sponsored by the Roberta/Crawford County Chamber of Commerce and the Crawford County Historical Society. A rain or shine event …. “For the Love of Mud!”

April

28-29 – CEDARTOWN – Cedar Valley Arts Festival, N. College St., Fri. 5-9pm; Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 10am-6pm.

770-748-3220.

28-29 – CLEVELAND – Fiber, Farm & Art Festival, N. Ga. Zoo & Farm, 10am5pm. 706-348-7279.

May

3-5 – LINCOLNTON – Little Roy & Lizzi Music Festival, Elijah Clark St. Pk. 706-864-7203.

4-5 – MADISON – Madison in May Spring Tour of Homes and Gardens. 706342-4743.

4-5 – SAUTEE NACOOCHEE – Fiber Festival in the Valley, 283 Highway 255 N. 706-878-3300.

5 – CARROLLTON – Mayfest Arts & Crafts, 115 Rome St. 770-832-6901.

Get Tickets Now!

Visit www.StMarysRailroad.com

5 – CONYERS – Taste of Conyers & Conyers Car Show. 11am-4pm. 770-6022606.

5 – HAZELHURST – Three Rivers Festival, Towns Bluff Park & Heritage Center, 10am-5pm. 912-379-9303.

5 – SASSER TO GEORGETOWN – Highway 82 Spring Clean Yard Sale, 52 miles of yard sales, 8am. 229-995-2011.

5 – THOMASON – Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival. 706-597-1000.

5 – THOMASVILLE – Kentucky Derby Party, Pebble Hill. 229-226-6016.

5 – TOCCOA – Toast of Toccoa.

Downtown. 10am-5pm. www.mainstreettoccoa.com.

5 – TYBEE ISLAND – Tour of Homes, 10am-4pm. 912-786-5444.

5-6 – CARTERSVILLE – May Market at Rose Lawn, 224 W. Cherokee Ave. 770-387-5162.

Ride the

Peter Cottontail Express March 24 & 31 Storybook Express May 19 & 26 March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Putnam County Dairy Festival, Eatonton The 59th Annual Putnam County Dairy Festival will be held in Eatonton on Saturday, June 2. Activities will begin at 8am with the 40th annual 10K Torture Trail Road Race & One Mile Fun Run. (706-485-9941). The parade will begin at 10am and will feature the Queen of the Dairy Festival and her court, Junior Miss Putnam County and her court, floats, antique tractors, antique cars, Shriners, dignitaries, clowns, and horses. A program at 11am will recognize the Putnam County Dairy Farm Family of the year. The festival will pay tribute to the county’s dairy industry and will be held on the streets surrounding the courthouse. An Arts and Crafts Fair will be open from 9am-4pm and will feature arts, crafts, food, and children’s activities.

BBQ will be available from 11am-1:30pm. Free ice cream and milk along with an educational dairy exhibit will be provided on the Square. Entertainment featuring local artists will be held there from 12:30-4pm.

For booth space, contact Cindy Willis at 706-473-0987 or cgwillis0810@yahoo.com.

For festival information or to download applications to participate, phone 706-4730763 or visit www.putnamcountydairyfestival.com.

May

5-6 - EAST ELLIJAY – Georgia Apple Blossom Festival. 706-635-7400.

5-6 – GAY – Cotton Pickin’ Fair. 706538-6814. Shady Days in Gay. 706-9778548.

5-6 – GAY – Shady Days in Gay Arts & Crafts Festival, 18785 Hwy 85. 706977-8548.

5-6 – OLD CLINTON – War Days Reenactment & Encampment. 478-986-6383.

10 – ROSWELL – Michael O’Neal Singers/Broadway Musical, Roswell UMC, 8pm. 770-594-7974.

10-12 – OCHLOCKNEE – Great Southern Music Festival, Pickers Paradise Park, Th. 5-11pm; Fri. & Sat. 10am11pm. 229-221-5467.

30 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

Little Roy & Lizzy Music Festival in Lincolnton Promoters Adams Bluegrass, LLC, announce the 6th Annual Little Roy & Lizzy Music Festival will be held May 3, 4 & 5, 2018 at Elijah Clark State Park.

A free barbeque and covered dish supper will be held on Wed., May 2 at 6pm for all 3-day ticket holders. The three day music festival begins on Thurs., May 3, 12n.

Open stage will begin daily at 11am with the scheduled show from12n-10pm each night.

Thursday’s terrific line-up features Remington Ryde, The Baker Family, The Moron Brothers, The Little Roy & Lizzy Show, Jeff and Sheri Easter (renowned gospel and award-winning group) will perform one show beginning at 7pm and Dailey & Vincent (IBMA Entertainer 2008-2010) and Grand Ole Opry members will perform one 90-minute show at 8:15pm.

Friday’s fabulous line-up of talent from 12n-10pm features Steady Drive, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Dry Branch Fire Squad, The Little Roy & Lizzy Show and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage (8 time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year and Queen of Bluegrass) and Gene Watson (2010 Country Legend of the Year) and The Farewell Party Band will perform one 90-minute show beginning at 8:30pm with special guest star, Rhonda Vincent.

Saturday’s Super line-up of talent begins from 12n-10pm features Larry Sigmon & Martha Spencer, The Inspirations, The Little Roy & Lizzy Show, Dry Branch Fire Squad, The Malpass Brothers, and The Gibson Brothers (IBMA Entertainers of the Year 20122013) will close out the show.

Elijah Clark State Park offers beautiful camping on the Strom Thurmond/Clark Hill Lake. Parking for all Georgia State Parks requires a $5.00 daily entrance fee. No Alcoholic beverages. This is a Family Festival!!

The weekend extravaganza (May 3-5) of family fun and American music is at the beautiful Elijah Clark State Park, Lincolnton, GA, rain or shine. A large tent is provided.

Bring a lawn chair. Sound by Blue Ridge Sound, with Sherry Boyd-MC. Adult 3-Day General Admission tickets are $90 in advance, $95 at the gate. Adult General Admission Daily Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the gate. Children (age 7-15) Daily General tickets are $15. 3-Day Children tickets $45 in advance, $50 at the gate. Children under 7 are free with parents. For more information or to order online, visit www.adamsbluegrass. com. Email info@adamsbluegrass.com. Ticket office, call 706-864-7203. For camping information, call 800-864-7275.

May 11 – TYBEE ISLAND – SCAD Sand Arts Festival, Tybee Beach. 912-786-5444.

11-12 – COLUMBUS – Frogtown Crawfish Festival, Woodruff Pk., Fri. 5-11pm; Sat. 8:30am-11pm. 706-905-2614.

11-12 – ROME – Roman Roast on the River, Ridge Ferry Park. 800-444-1834.

12 – ABBEVILLE – Ocmulgee Wild Hog Festival, Lions Park. 229-467-2144.

12 – CALHOUN – Payne Farm Strawberry Festival, 204 Salem Rd. SW. 770878-2005.

12 – CORDELE – National Train Days/Touch a Train, SAM Shortline.

877-GARails.

12 – LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN – Southern Blooms Festival, 1400 Patten Rd. March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Southland Jubilee in Greensboro Celebrate Greene County’s rich and varied cultural history at the 20th Annual Southland Jubilee on Saturday, April 21, from 9am-4pm in historic downtown Greensboro.

Admission will be free.

Southland Jubilee is the “Everything Festival,” offering something for every age and is fun for the whole family. As the event continues to grow each year, it has developed the reputation as a quality heritage arts and family festival, drawing visitors from all across the state. At this year’s festival, you can expect to find live entertainment throughout the day, juried arts and crafts vendors, heritage crafters and demonstrations, antique tractors, a children’s activity area, agricultural exhibits, a classic car show, and your favorite festival foods.

Greensboro is located east of Atlanta off of I-20 at the Lake Oconee exit #130. Lodging is available at local hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. For information, visit www.southlandjubilee.com or call 706-453-7674.

Blessing of the Fleet Festival in Darien The 50th annual Blessing of the Fleet Festival in historic Darien April 13-15 will kick off Friday at 5pm with arts, crafts, dancing, and live music by the Second Chance Band.

Saturday events will include a 5K run/walk at 8am, a street parade with U.S. military and Scottish color guards at 10am, continuous live entertainment, Kids’ Zone, vendor booths, and a classic car show. Live music Saturday evening at 7pm by the Sensational Sounds of Motown, followed by a fireworks display at dark.

Art in the Park, a juried fine art show, will be held Saturday and Sunday (10am-5pm) under stately Live Oaks in Vernon Square, just a short stroll from the waterfront. It will feature entertainment, paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, stained glass, jewelry, and textiles.

Sunday events will feature vendor booths, Art in the Park, and religious rock and soul music from 11am. Then Sunday’s magnificent parade of shrimp trawlers, each approaching the Darien Bridge to obtain a blessing for the coming year of fishing, will begin at 2pm. Awards will be announced at 4pm. Admission on Friday and Saturday will be $5 for 13 and up and free for 12 and under with paying adult. There will be no admission charge on Sunday. For information, visit www.blessingofthefleet.com or phone 912437-6684.

May

12 – PAVO – Annual Peacock Day, 2061 W McDonald St. 229-785-2111.

12 – SAVANNAH – Maker’s Fest at Skidaway Island, 52 Diamond Causeway. 770-975-4151.

12 – WASHINGTON – Cruise In On The Square. MemoryLaneCruisersGa.com.

18 – TYBEE ISLAND – Beach Bum Parade. 912-786-5444.

18-19 – HIWASSEE – 2018 Ga. Mt. Eggfest, 1311 Music Hall Rd. 706-896-4191.

18-20 – CALHOUN – Battle of Resaca Reenactment. 800-887-3811.

32 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

2018 BigPictureCon at Clayton State University The Big Picture Film & Video Foundation is partnered with Clayton State University’s Department of Visual & Performing Arts as venue sponsor for the 2018 BigPictureCon. The BigPictureCon is a film and technology conference + Short Film Festival designed for emerging content creators and filmmakers and will be held at the Student Activity Center on Clayton State’s campus Sunday and Monday, April 8-9.

The conference is open to anyone to attend, and was designed to connect emerging digital content creators, including student and independent filmmakers, with industry professionals and peers for education, networking, and professional development. The conference includes a variety of panels, workshop and technology demos, as well as a Short Film Festival. Entries for the Short Film Festival can be submitted at FilmFreeway.com (search for BigPictureCon).

The Festival takes place Sunday, April 8th with cash prizes up to $250.

To register or for more information, or email support@bigpicturefdn.org, or call 770-354-4027. Conference information and registration will be updated frequently at www.BigPictureCon.com.

Full Circle Farm Sanctuary in Warm Springs Full Circle Farm Sanctuary has come to Georgia for a dual purpose: to provide loving lifetime homes for individual farmed animals who otherwise would continue to face horrific suffering, and to educate the public as to the beauty, dignity, and worth of all animals through interactions with the precious animal residents. Spend time with these wonderful beings, and develop friends with loving animals that will last a lifetime.

The 2018 Vegan Chili Cook-off will be March 31 from 4-7pm. The event includes music, drinks, chili, and all the fixings. The Cook-off will be held at 24 Kirkwood Rd., NE, Atlanta (around the corner from Dulce Vegan). Purchase tickets online at www.FullCircleFarmSanctuary.org.

The farm is located at 961 White House Parkway, Warm Springs. For more information email info@fcfsanctuary.org or visit www.FullCircleFarmSanctuary.org.

May 19 – BUCHANAN – Spring Fair on the Square, Courthouse sq. 770-328-4614.

19 – CHICKAMAUGA – Down Home Days Festival, Historic Dwntn., 1st Saturday of May, 10am-9pm. 70-260-7897.

19 – CLARKSVILLE – Mountain Laurel Festival, Downtown. 706-754-4216.

19 – KNOXVILLE/ROBERTA – Georgia Jugfest. 478-836-3825.

19 – ST. MARYS – Storybook Express, St. Marys Railroad. www.St. MarysRailroad.com 19 – VILLA RICA – Summer Concert featuring Atlanta Rhythm Section, 106 Temple St. 678-840-1160.

19-20 – DAHLONEGA – Arts & Wine Festival, 13 S. Park St. 706-867-8059.

March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Fitzgerald Wild Chicken Festival The exotic and beautiful Burmese chickens with brilliant orange and yellow ruffs and gleaming black tail feathers are a familiar part of downtown Fitzgerald. The Burmese chickens were released in Ben Hill County in the 1960’s by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources as an additional game bird but somehow made their way to downtown Fitzgerald. There they have a love-hate relationship with residents, some of whom feed them while others chase them out of gardens with a broom! The chickens wake up folks, create minor traffic problems, and, some claim, even keep the bugs away.

In celebration of these chickens, Fitzgerald will hold its annual Wild Chicken Festival in the historic downtown on March 16-17. Kicking off the event, Country Superstar Aaron Tippin is live in concert with his full band at The Grand Theatre in downtown Fitzgerald on March 15th. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Concert begins 7:30pm. On Friday the Bushmen will entertain from 7-10pm. On Saturday, there will be arts & crafts, food, children’s activities, and more. There will be a pancake breakfast at 6am, a 5K Wild Chicken Sprint at 8am, a pine wood derby race at 9am, Creative Flame carnival show at 11am, 10am-2pm Dora, Sponge Bob, Mickey & Minnie Mouse and friends at the Library Story Stage, chicken crowing contest at 1pm, Carnival Stage Show knife juggling, fire eating, and more at 2pm.

There will be entertainment all day.

For more information, visit www.fitzgeraldga.org or www.wildchickenfestival.com, phone 800-386-4642, or e-mail fitztourism@mchsi.com.

May

19, 26 – ST. MARYS – Railway Company Train Excursions. 912-200-5235.

26 – HELEN – Bavarianfest, 1074 Edelweiss St. 706-878-1908.

26 – ST. MARYS – Storybook Express, St. Marys Railroad. www.St. MarysRailroad.com 26-27 – BLAIRSVILLE – Spring Arts & Crafts Festival, 3 Town Square. 706745-5493.

26-27 – BLUE RIDGE – Arts in the Park Festival City Park. 706-632-2144.

26-27 – DECATUR – Arts Fest, 101 E. Court Square. 404-371-9583.

26-28 – ALPHARETTA – Arts Street-

fest, Milton Ave & Main St. 678-27-0102.

June

1-2 – ALMA – Georgia Blueberry Festival, Goldwasser Park. 912-310-7399.

2 – EATONTON – Putnam County Dairy Festival, Courthouse Square. 706473-0763.

8 – BLAIRSVILLE – Kilted Classic 5K Fun Run & Ceilidh. www.Blairsville ScottishFestival.org.

9 – LAKE MERIWETHER – Peaches in the Pines. 706-655-2558.

9-10 – BLAIRSVILLE – Scottish Festival, Highland Games & Music Festival.

Meeks Park. www.BlairsvilleScottish Festival.org.

34 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

Georgia Blueberry Festival The 43rd Annual Georgia Blueberry Festival will be held June 1 & 2 in Alma at Goldwasser Park with a Re-enactment at the Recreational Center. The fun will begin Friday at noon with food, arts and crafts, music, a blueberry pie contest, a Senior Beauty Contest, a variety show, and live bands. The festival will feature over 130 vendors, offering something for everyone. The children can enjoy the inflatables while their parents shop for that unique gift for someone special.

Saturday will feature a Blueberry Pancake Breakfast starting at 6am, a 5-K Run/Walk at 8am, and a parade at 9:30am. Events during the day will include live entertainment and a special Tot Spot for kids. There will be lots of fresh blueberries and blueberry plants for sale at the 4-H Booth. For information, call 912-310-7399 or visit www.georgiablueberryfestival.org.

Conyers — Where Everyone’s Irish for a Day

St. Patrick’s Day, that is. The World’s Fastest Growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Friday, March 16, 2018 at 4:30pm in Olde Town Conyers. This is a twoblock walking parade and everybody is encouraged to meet at the corner of Main and Center streets prior to 4:30pm to join in this annual tradition.

There is an annual crowning of children’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade king and queen, a Leprechaun Lookalike Contest for adults and a pet costume contest at the conclusion of the parade. Prizes will be awarded!

Following the parade is the 9th Annual World’s Shortest Endurance Run sponsored by the Rotary Club of Rockdale County. The run, .1 mile in length from the Conyers Welcome 27th Annual Center to The Pointe on Railroad Street, begins with a shotgun start at 5pm and participants who enter will receive a T-shirt.

Businesses in Olde Town will offer great deals on merchandise as well as food and drink specials for parade attendees. You will be back for seconds on Saturday, May 5 from 11am-4pm for a Taste Of Conyers.

Admission is free!

The Taste of Conyers introduces residents and visitors to the delicious entrees, appetizers and desserts offered around th town. Samples can be purchased directly SATURDAY, 9AM-6PM from the participating restaurants and they Hog-Dog Baying Contest • Children’s Pig Chase Over range in price from $1-$3. Along with this 100 Arts & Crafts booths • 25 Food Vendors variety of food sampling opportunities, Kiddie Rides • Ponies • Tractors • Much More live entertainment will be provided.

Conyers — a great place to live.

Relax in the shade on the grass and enjoy all kinds of www.VisitConyersGA.com. good music and other entertainment including line dancing, clogging, bands, and singing.

May 12

June

9-10 – WOODBURY – Peaches in the Pines, Lake Meriwether. 706-655-3322.

10 – WOODBURY – Meriwether Miles (Bike 15M, 35M, 63M), Lake Meriwether.

770-927-2847.

Admission $2 • LIONS PARK • I-75 Exit 101 The Wild Hog Capital of Georgia

ABBEVILLE

30 miles East of Cordele on Hwy. 280 www.hogfestival.com

March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

35

Meriwether County Elevates the Arts Visit Meriwether County for the Second Annual Plein-air Painting Event — Open Air Meriwether on April 12-14. This event attracts professional artists from the region to come into the community and actively engage with the community and its charming and historic scenery. The artists are provided a list of approximately 20 different sites for both scenes and structures. They spend several days in the community traveling from site-to-site. The event culminates in a wet canvas sale at Artisans on the Square in Greenville, GA from 2-5pm. The exhibit will remain on display until May 6. One of the highlights of the event held in 2017 was the engagement between the professional artists and students from the local elementary school. This was an exceptional opportunity to expose students to the talented showcase of artists; receive education on the concept of plein-air painting and engage in the process under the tutelage of the artists. For more information contact Linda Wilburn at lgwilburn@bellsouth.net or 404-386-1328.

This event is one component of a larger Meriwether County agenda to elevate the arts as a major presence in the community.

This is being done through partnerships, education and special events. One such event was the Meriwether Menu, a unique culinary experience in which ticket holders were treated to a catered dinner inside the historic Red Oak Covered Bridge. The event garnered lots of positive comments and social media buzz. Planning for the second annual Meriwether Menu is currently underway. For more information contact 706-655-2558 or email meriwetherchamber@windstream.net.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway All aboard for a trip that will spark kids’ imaginations, adults’ memories, and leave everyone smiling! It all starts at the historic 100+ year-old depot in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia and heads north from there. As the train winds through the mountains alongside the beautiful Toccoa River, car hosts will share the history of the railroad and sights along the way. The views are spectacular from both the vintage climate-controlled coaches and from the open-air car. Want to ride in style? Try the “Premier Class” which is available to adults 18 years and older. Need a snack?

Visit the concession car for snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.

After a leisurely one-hour trip, the train stops in the unique twin border towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN. You will have time to shop, tour, and dine during the layover. Then it’s back to Blue Ridge where you can purchase railroadinspired souvenirs at the gift shop.

The ticket office is in the depot tucked in the charming mountain village of Blue Ridge within the lush Chattahoochee National Forest, only 95 miles north of Atlanta. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

For schedules, ticket prices, and more information, call 877-413-8724 or 706-6328724 or visit www.brscenic.om.

36 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018

Madison in May Spring Tour of Homes & Gardens This celebration of Southern history, architecture, and art will be held in historic Madison, Georgia on May 4-5. Renowned for one of Georgia’s largest designated National Register Historic Districts, Historic Madison will celebrate the spring season in grand style with the region’s most popular tour event: the Madison in May Spring Tour of Homes and Gardens.

Experience the living history of Madison while strolling through a collection of the city’s finest, architecturally significant private homes and intimate gardens. This self-guided tour will include distinguished private homes, as well as the 1895 graded school building which houses the Romanesque Madison-Morgan Cultural Center (tour host). Together, these grand structures and gardens tell the story of a genteel, gracious city — Madison, Georgia. This truly will be a tour to remember! Tour hours will be 10am-5pm, rain or shine. Ticket prices will be $25/single day and $35/multiple days if purchased through Apr. 30. Afterward, they will be $30/single day and $40/multiple days. Tour group pricing for 20+ will be $22/single day. For reservations, phone 706-342-4743 or visit www.mmcc-arts.org>.

Flowerfetti for Your Special Day Imagine walking a petal strewn path, in a cloud of floating petals, as you and your prince begin your Happily Ever After . . . Ecofriendly, Flowerfetti returns to nature, creates fragrant bridal paths and photographs beautifully. Perfect for formal or farm weddings, serve from elegant silver bowls or rustic moss baskets, sweet wedding pails, stylish favors or petal cones.

Inspired by an herb garden and her love for flowers, Flowerfetti owner, Alice Tidwell Brown created flower confetti based on the language of flowers: symbolic herbs, since medieval days, have been used in weddings. Toss roses for love, lavender for devotion, rosemary for remembrance. . .

Alice created a line of “Wedding Herbs” designed to complement wedding colors: Bridal Lavender™—Something Blue —with white petals, blue hydrangea, deep blue pansies. Bridal Heather™—Romance captured, with roses, pink petals and sprigs of heather. Wedding Rosemary™—A delight of yellows and whites, with rose petals, daisies and buttercups. Fall & Christmas Wedding Herbs—Seasonal beauty of colors, botanicals and herbs.

By 1990, her collection was featured in bridal magazines and forged a special niche in the bridal market. Signature Wedding Lavender™ helped begin a new tradition of tossing fragrant lavender. Flowerfetti — biodegradable ecofriendly confetti of flowers & herbs ~ for fairy tale endings. Available online at https://www.etsy.com/shop/Flowerfetti.

As seen in Instyle Weddings and Martha Stewart Weddings

flowerfetti.etsy.com

•Eco-Friendly Flower Petal Confetti •Perfect for Weddings and Everything In-Between

March, April, May 2018 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

37

Visit Washington and Discover Lagniappe in Georgia Lagniappe (LAN yap) is a bonus, something extra, something unexpected.

Though known for the historical role it played not only in Georgia but also our nation’s history, Washington’s annual events big and small bring history to life and neighbors together. In this unique Norman Rockwell setting, Washington, like Rockwell’s work, has a broad popular appeal. A visit to Washington any day is an event. It is city with ”Lagniappe”. Downtown is filled with passionate local business owners offering a variety of unique shopping, delicious food, and convenient service options in an environment created by southern hospitality and commitment to quality. A stroll on the village green surrounded by Victorian architecture or enjoying an expresso at The Square Cafe create an experience all would enjoy.

Come experience Lagniappe in Washington — something unexpected. For more information, phone 706-678-5111 or visit www.WashingtonWilkes.org.

Blairsville Scottish Festival, Highland Games & Music Festival The Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games on June 9-10 at Meeks Park will celebrate Scottish heritage by showcasing Scottish clans, athletic competitions, music, dance, foods, and merchandise.

Festival hours will be 9am-5pm both days with an opening ceremony on Saturday at noon. The Kirkin’o’th Tartans will be held Sunday morning at 9am. Other events will include the Kilted Classic 5K/Fun Run on Saturday June 9th at 8am. For advance sign-up, go to www.BlairsvilleScottishFestival.org or www.runsignup.com.

Visitors will enjoy music from the Pipe and Drum Bands, bagpipes all around the park, other musical groups, demonstrations of traditional Scottish athletic competitions, Falconry, Highland Cattle, Border Collies and sheep, Gordon Setters, axe throw and archery, Clann Nan Con historical reenactors, and children’s games.

Scheduled performers will be the Seven Nations celtic rock band, Colin Grant-Adams, The Blarney Girls, Raven and Red, and humorist Robert Valentine. Pipe & Drum bands to appear are Atholl Highlanders, North Georgia Pipes and Drums, Alhambra Highlanders, Appalachian St. Andrews, North Atlanta, and John Mohr MacKintosh Pipe & Drums.

Admission will be $10/day or $15/two days with children 12 and under free. For information, visit www.BlairsvilleScottishFestival.org or visit the festival on Facebook and other social media.

38 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / March, April, May 2018