Guide to Georgia Spring 2012

Guide GEORGIA To

Events Attractions Fairs & Festivals

Spring 2012

Beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia

GGEORGIA uide To

Volume 52 Spring

Number 1 March/April/May 2012

CONTENTS Metro Atlanta Events . . . . . . . . .4-7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-10 Memorial Day Weekend Events . .11 Entertainment Venues . . . . . .12-13 Theatre Directory . . . . . . . . . .14-15 Georgia Events . . . . . . . . . . . .16-28 Garden & Nature Events . . . . .29-30

ON THE COVER he Dawn of a New Day, shown on the

T cover, is an original oil painting by Marsha Savage. The painting shows the Aska Road area in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

This painting hangs in the office of the Georgia Speaker of the House, David Ralston. Marsha Savage paints mostly landscapes, using pastels, oils, and acrylics. The inspiration for her art, she says, comes from a love of nature and outdoor activity. She enjoys plein air painting and also teaches classes and workshops. Marsha’s art can be seen at Wrapsody in Blue and the Blue Ridge Mountains Art Assn. in Blue Ridge, the Frameworks Gallery in Marietta, and at www.marshasavage.com. E-mail Marsha at marshasavageart@yahoo.com or phone 770926-3623. See the Blue Ridge article on page 11 and the ad on page 31.

GUIDE

TO

GEORGIA

The GUIDE TO GEORGIA, founded in 1960, is the premiere publication for information on activities and entertainment in Georgia. Four issues are published each year, and the magazines are distributed in all 11 Georgia Welcome Centers, in local visitor bureaus, in hotels, and numerous other outlets as well as to subscribers.

Subscription is $10 per year. Contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without permission.

Tues.-Sat.: 10:00am-4:30pm Sun.-Mon.: 12:30-4:30pm Closed: New Year's, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

GTG 2012

801 Nebula Rd., Manchester, GA 31816 Phone 706-846-2620 E-mail guidetogeorgia@windstream.net Patty Proctor . . . . . . . . .Publisher/Editor Hayley Yawn . . . . . .Publisher’s Assistant Debi Richardson . . . . . . .Graphics Editor 803-259-1990, debi@guidetogeorgia.com

3

METRO ATLANTA Sandy Springs – A Diverse Place to Visit Sandy Springs, only 15 miles north of Atlanta, offers not only metropolitan amenities but also many outdoor retreats and one-of-a-kind venues.

ArtSSpring in Sandy Springs will be a month-long celebration of the arts, from April 13-May 13, featuring art, music, drama, poetry, gardens, dining, dancing, and more. This city-wide celebration will highlight the talents and creative skills of residents and will be held in the city’s galleries, schools, theatres, restaurants, and parks. www.artsandysprings.org.

The U.S.A CRITS Finals and the Global Imports Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge will be May 6. The Metric Century Ride will begin at 8:30am, the CRITS Series races at 9am, and the awards presentation at 5:30pm. Paired with the bike races, the inaugural Sandy Springs Food and Wine Classic culinary event will provide samples of food and drinks from 30 of Sandy Springs’ fine restaurants. For information, visit www.sandy springschallenge.org. Visitors can enjoy a special CRITS rate at one of the Sandy Springs hotels. Call Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism at 770-206-1445.

On exhibit at Heritage Sandy Springs through July 25 is Convincing the Nation. Thirty posters, historical artwork, archival material, and artifacts tell the story of the U.S. government’s efforts to capture people’s attention during World War II as it sought public support and a cooperative home-front willing to put the needs of the nation before their own. Also of interest is the Anne Frank Exhibit at the Parkside Shopping Center.

For information, go to www.visitsandysprings.org or call toll-free 866-511-7742. The Sandy Springs Welcome Center is in the Parkside Shopping Center at 5920 Roswell Rd.

Snellville Days Festival The City of Snellville will host the 39th annual Snellville Days on Saturday, May 5, from 10am-6pm and Sunday, May 6, from 12pm-5pm.

Admission will be free.

The Snellville Days parade will start Saturday at 9:30am in downtown Snellville.

Afterwards, head to T. W. Briscoe Park for two fun-filled days. There will be over 200 vendors, plenty of food, and a kids’ field jam-packed with rides and games. There will be a Community Stage with continuous entertainment all day Saturday and Sunday. Soul Purpose will be performing on stage early in the afternoon on Saturday and The Neons on Sunday. Wildlife Wendy with her tropical birds and Masters of the Chainsaw will present three shows a day Mar. 1, Apr. 5, May 3 – First Thursday Art for both days.

Walk, Downtown Atlanta. 404-658-1877.

For information, visit www.snellvilledays.

Mar. 2-May 25 – Martinis & IMAX, Fernbank com or phone 770-985-3535.

Museum, Fridays, 5:30-10pm. 404-929-6300.

Mar. 8-Apr. 8 – Atlanta Fair, Turner Field.

404-913-3247.

975 West Peachtree Street at 10th Street Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 18 – Friday Jazz, High ATLANTA, GEORGIA Museum of Art, 5-10pm. 404-733-high.

Mar. 31-Apr. 7,14,21,28, May 5,12,19,26All-suite hotel; Elegant 31 – Lasershow, Stone Mt. Park. 770-498-5690. kitchenettes; Luxurious Apr. 3-May 31 – Music at Noon, Centennial continental Olympic Pk., Tues. & Thurs., 12-1pm. 404-223-4412. breakfast; Apr. 4-May 30 – Wednesday WindDown, complimentary Centennial Olympic Pk., 5:30-8pm. 404-223-4412. dinner Apr. 14-June 3 – Georgia Renaissance (Mon.-Thurs.)

Festival, Fairburn, Sat. & Sun. 770-964-8575.

Located two blocks from I-75/85, Apr. 19, May 17 – Alive After Five, Roswell next to Midtown MARTA station.

Historic District. 770-640-3253.

404-876-5003 / 800-642-3629 Apr. 21-May 13 – Decorator Show House, Knollwww.regencysuites.com wood Estate, 3351 Woodhaven Dr. 404-733-4864.

4 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

All Spring Events

REGENCY SUITES HOTEL

METRO ATLANTA Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival The Spring Jonquil Festival will be held April 28-29 in downtown Smyrna on the Village Green next to Market Village and will feature over 175 handmade arts and crafts booths, festival foods, and children’s activities. There will be live music and puppet shows as well as local entertainment on the stage in front of the library.

There will be a variety of fine arts in the Featured Artists’ Market. Other artisans from all over the S.E. will be selling handmade crafts, clothing, furniture, jewelry, and more. There will be festival foods; a children’s area with inflatables, puppets, and other activities; and entertainment featuring acoustic music throughout the event.

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

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

March 4 – Keith & Kristyn Getty Concert, Mountain Park First Baptist. 770-921-1452.

9-11 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000.

10-11 – Eastman Gun & Knife Show, Cobb Civic Center, Marietta. 229-424-4555.

10-11 – Georgia Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, Kennesaw State Univ. 770-423-6650.

10-18 – Great American Cover-Up Quilt Show, Bulloch Hall, Roswell. 770-992-1731.

10-25 – Phoenix Flies–Citywide Celebration of Living Landmarks. 404-688-3353.

12 – St. Patrick’s Festival, Underground Atlanta. 404-523-2311.

17 – 130th St. Patrick’s Day Parade, downtown. 678-754-5834.

17-18 – Six Flags Over Georgia Opening Weekend. 770-948-9290.

Reynolds

18 – Best of Sweet Auburn Revue, Auburn Avenue, 4-7pm. 404-681-4667.

23-24 – Civil War Symposium, Kennesaw State University. 678-797-2551.

23-25 – California Suite, Art Place, Marietta.

770-509-2700.

24 – New Horizon Band, Riverside Park, Roswell, 5-7pm. 770-569-9746.

25 – Michael O’Neal Chamber Singers, Alpharetta Presby. Church, 3pm. 770-594-7974.

27 – Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Marcus Jewish Community Center. 678-812-4005.

29 – Michael O’Neal Chamber Singers, Peachtree Presby. Church, 7:30pm. 770-594-7974.

31 – Stone Mountain Village Bluegrass Roots Music & Arts Festival. 770-498-2097.

31-Apr. 1 – Gun & Knife Show, Cobb Civic Center, Marietta. 563-927-8176.

31-Apr. 1 – Caboose Days, Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth. 770-476-2013.

Spring Fling

GIGANTIC INDOOR YARD SALE & MORE! (Rain or Shine)

FRIDAY EVENING, APRIL 27 Enjoy an evening in the Julian Knight Park with dinner and gospel music from Southern Vision under the trees SATURDAY, APRIL 28 5K Run •Kiddie Parade •Grand Parade •Fine Art Arts & Crafts •Car & Truck Show •Photography Show Cook-Off •Lawn Mower Races •Home Run Derby Entertainment •Farmers’ Market •Carnival Rides Free Admission & Parking • Family Oriented Handicap Accessible

Info message 478-847-5301 www.ga-strawberry.org

Saturday, April 21 7am-3pm Largest Indoor Yard Sale in Southeast Georgia featuring over 100 vendors!

CENTRAL SQUARE COMPLEX

DOUGLAS, GA (912) 383-0277

www.cityofdouglas.com

March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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METRO ATLANTA Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth “Georgia’s Official Transportation History Museum” has over 90 pieces of retired railway rolling stock: trains from the 1920’s and 1950’s including vintage steam and diesel locomotives, passenger and private cars, WWII troop kitchen, railway post office car, wooden freight cars, baggage cars, cabooses, and maintenance of way equipment. The museum is home to buses from MARTA’s historic fleet and predecessor systems.

The railway museum is open Fridays and Saturdays 10-5 in March and Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10-5 in April and May. With ad on page 9 one free train ride with each paid admission. Located at 3595 Peachtree Rd. 770-476-2013. www.srmduluth.org.

Caboose Days on Mar. 31-Apr. 1 will offer temporary caboose tattoos, a caboose hunt, food, a kids’ craft corner, and a layout by the Jr. Model RR Club. National Train Day on May 5 will mark 143 years of coast to coast service by rail.

14-15 – Alpharetta Arts Streetfest, Downtown. 678-297-6078.

1 – Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass 14-15 – Festival on Ponce, Parks on Ponce Quintet, Kennesaw State Univ. 770-423-6650. de Leon Avenue. 404-845-0793.

7 – Tea with Beatrix Potter, Barrington Hall, 19-22 – Lemonade Days, Brook Run Park, Roswell, 1-3pm. 678-639-7500.

Dunwoody. 678-244-9800.

8 – 68th Annual Easter Sunrise Service, 20-22 – Atlanta Dogwood Festival, PiedStone Mountain Park, 7am. 770-498-5690. mont Park. 404-876-4024.

12-15 – Marietta’s Great Locomotive 20-22 – Georgia Trust Spring Ramble, Chase Weekend, Park Square. 770-429-1115.

Roswell. 404-881-9980.

13-15 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta 20-22 – Sweetwater 420 Festival, Candler Expo Center. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000.

Park. 404-643-1233.

13-May 13 – ArtSSpring in Sandy Springs, 20-22 – Druid Hills Home & Garden Tour various venues. 866-511-7742. & Artist Market. 404-525-tour.

14-15 – Acworth Art Festival. 800-451-3480.

21-22 – Big Shanty Festival, Downtown Kennesaw. 770-424-8274.

26-29 – Frontier Days – Georgia Between the Wars, Stone Mountain Park. 770-498-5690.

27-29 – Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes. 404-577-4212. & 28-29 – Spring Jonquil Festival, Village Green, Smyrna. 770-434-6600.

SATURDAY 29 – Taste of Marietta. 800-835-0445.

10am–6pm

April

MAY 5 6 SUNDAY 12n–5pm

The fun starts at 9:30am in downtown Snellville for our annual parade.

Following the parade come to T.W. Briscoe Park for free admission to two days of fun for the whole family; including 200 vendors, food, and a kids area.

There will be continuous live entertainment both days on our Community Stage with performances by “Soul Purpose” and “The Neons”.

We also have “Wildlife Wendy & Her Tropical Birds” and the “Masters of the Chainsaw” performing both days.

www.snellvilledays.com •770-985-3535 6

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

METRO ATLANTA Scott Antique Market in Atlanta The Scott Antique Market at the Atlanta Expo Centers – the world’s largest monthly indoor antique show – features two buildings stocked full of pretty much every antique imaginable. With 366,000 square feet and over 3,300 booths, it’s almost impossible to leave without finding exactly what you’re looking for, according to the show’s organizers. All things antique wind up at the Scott Antique Market – antique furniture, vintage hardware, rare art, stunning glassware, heirloom silver, incredible jewelry, and more.

The Scott Antique Market always takes place the second weekend of every month at the Atlanta Expo Centers which straddle I-285 at Exit 55. Parking is free; admission is $5; and a complimentary shuttle goes between both buildings.

Upcoming Spring shows will be March 9-11, April 13-15, May 11-13, and June 8-10. For a complete list of show dates and more information on Scott Antique Markets, call 740-569-2800 or visit www.scottantiquemarket.com.

12-13 – Colors Festival of Arts, Historic Roswell Square. 770-640-3253.

1-13 – ARTSSpring, various locations in 12-13 – Dunwoody Arts Festival, DunSandy Springs. 866-511-7742. woody Farmhouse. 678-244-9800.

5 – Down Home Derby, North Fulton 13 – Free Concert by the Spring, Heritage County Equestrian Venue. 770-992-4339.

Sandy Springs, 7-8:30pm. 404-851-9111.

5 – Roswell Riverside Park Concert, 7-9 p.m.

16 – Wind Down Wednesday Concert, Heri770-640-3253. tage Sandy Springs, 6:30-8pm. 404-851-9111.

5 – National Train Day, Southeastern Rail19 – Jason Aldean & Luke Bryan, Aaron’s way Museum, Duluth. 770-476-2013.

Amphitheatre at Lakewood. 404-627-9704.

5-6 – Snellville Days Festival, Briscoe Park.

770-985-3535.

5-6 – May-Retta Daze Arts & Crafts 8-10 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Festival. 770-794-5601.

Center. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000.

6 – Michael O’Neal Singers/Let My People Go! Roswell UMC, 3pm. 770-594-7974.

10 – Taste of Alpharetta, Downtown, 5-10pm. 678-297-6000.

11 – Open House at Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism Welcome Ctr. 770-206-1446.

11-13 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000.

11-13 – Sweet Auburn Springfest. 404681-4667.

May

June

The City of

Smyrna

Spring Jonquil Festival

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

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

Jonquil City Jog April 28th

5K Run/Walk begins 8 a.m., Saturday

770-434-6600 www.smyrnacity.com March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Sporting Events War Days in Old Clinton War Days at Old Clinton will be held May 5-6 when re-enactors recreate the Battles of Sunshine Church and Griswoldville during Sherman’s 1864 March to the Sea. Tents will spring up, blue and gray soldiers will gather, and the rattle of musketry and the thunder of cannons will shake windows in old homes.

The McCarthy-Pope House (1809), the oldest house in Clinton, will be open for tour and furnished in the war era by the Ladies of the Confederacy. Miss Annie’s Store will display war relics and weapons, a prize-winning exhibit of Griswold pistol parts, a finished Griswold pistol, a Burnside carbine, and authentic Confederate currency. The Old Clinton Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, will offer self-guided walking tours.

Saturday will conclude at 8:05pm with the 16th Ga., Co. G, Jackson Rifles, CSA conducting a memorial service in the Old Clinton Cemetery to honor Clinton’s Confederate dead.

Gates will open at 9am. Admission will be $5/adults; $3/students 18 and under; free/kids under 6. The Memorial Service will be free. Phone 478-986-6383 or 478-986-1123.

Battle of Resaca Reenactment in Gordon County Smell the powder, see the smoke, and hear the thunder of battle at the 148th Anniversary of the Battle of Resaca on May 19-20. Relive the first major Battle of the Atlanta Campaign, a reenactment held on 600 acres of the original 1864 battlefield. Reenactment battles will take place Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.

Visit 1864 period Confederate and Federal military camps complete with infantry, artillery, and cavalry. Stop by the period civilian refugee camp, shop Sutler Row for period wares and a yard sale offering used reenactment clothing, and listen to period music. There will be a cavalry competition, period dance with music by the 8th Regimental Band, living history exhibits, a ladies’ tea with guest speaker, food and beverages for sale, a Memorial Service at the Resaca Confederate Home Schedule Cemetery on Saturday at 10am, and a non-denominational ATLANTA BRAVES church service on Sunday at 10am at the Social Tent.

Apr. 13-15 . . . . . . . .BREWERS Resaca is 70 miles north of Atlanta. Admission is $5/adults Apr. 16-18 . . . . . . . . . . .METS and $2/children 12 & under. For information, visit www.georgia Apr. 27-30 . . . . . . . . .PIRATES division.org or phone 800May 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . .PHILLIES 887-3811 or 706-625-3200.

May 14-15 . . . . . . . . . . .REDS For lodging info, visit www.

May 16-17 . . . . . . . .MARLINS Home Schedules exploregordoncounty.com.

404-577-9100 www.atlantabraves.com AUGUSTA RIVERHAWKS Mar. 9 . . . . . . . . . .KNOXVILLE AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS Mar. 17 . . . . . . . .COLUMBUS Apr. 12-15 . . . . .SAVANNAH Mar. 23 . . . . . . . . .KNOXVILLE Apr. 16-18 . . . .CHARLESTON 706-933-2645 www.augustariverhawks.com Apr. 24-27 . . . .KANNAPOLIS Home Schedule Apr. 28-30 . . .HAGERSTOWN ATLANTA HAWKS COLUMBUS May 10-13 . . . . .GREENVILLE Mar. 16 . . . . . . . . . .WIZARDS COTTONMOUTHS Mar. 19 . . . . . . . . . . . .CELTICS May 14-16 . . . . . . . . . .ROME Mar. 9 . . . .MISS. RIVERKINGS Mar. 21 . . . . . . . . .CAVALIERS May 24-27 . . . . .SAVANNAH Mar. 10 . . . . . . . . . .AUGUSTA Mar. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NETS 706-736-7889 Mar. 24 . . . . . . . . . .AUGUSTA Mar. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JAZZ greenjacketsbaseball.com 706-571-0086 Mar. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . .BULLS http://cottonmouths.

ROME BRAVES Mar. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . .KNICKS pointstreaksites.com Apr. 12-14 . . . .CHARLESTON Apr. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . .BOBCATS GWINNETT GLADIATORS Apr. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . .PISTONS Apr. 16-18 . . . . .SAVANNAH Mar. 4 . . . . . . . . . . .TRENTON Apr. 15 . . . . . . . . . .RAPTORS Apr. 24-27 . . .HAGERSTOWN Mar. 10 . . . . . . . .CINCINNATI Apr. 18 . . . . . . . . . . .PISTONS Apr. 28-30 . . . .KANNAPOLIS Mar. 11 . . . . . . . .GREENVILLE Apr. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . .CELTICS May 10-13 . . . . . . .ASHEVILLE Mar. 14 . . . . . . . .CINCINNATI Apr. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . .KNICKS May 21-23 . . . . . . .AUGUSTA Mar. 16 . . . . . . . .CINCINNATI Apr. 24 . . . . . . .L.A. CLIPPERS May 24-27 . . . . . . .ASHEVILLE Mar. 17 . . . . . . . .GREENVILLE Apr. 26 . . . . . . . .MAVERICKS 770-497-5100 706-368-9388 404-249-6400 www.gwinnettgladiators.com www.romebraves.com www.nba.com/hawks 8 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

BASEBALL

HOCKEY

BASKETBALL

Sporting Events National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus Explore naval operations for the North and South through displays of uniforms, artillery, firearms, personal effects, flags, murals, a timeline exhibit, ships and ship replicas, and a battle simulator theater. Open Tues.-Sat. 10am-4:30pm, Sun.-Mon. 12:30-4:30pm. Closed New Year’s, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. See coupon in ad on page 3. 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus. 706-327-9798. www.portcolumbus.org.

In Honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Paddy Goes to Sea on March 17 will focus on the part played by Irish Immigrants and Irish Americans in the Navies of the American Civil War. Scheduled for 1-4pm, the program will include the theatre, interpretive tour, and museum tour.

RiverBlast! on April 14-15 will include Union and Confederate sailors and marines and will feature weapons demonstrations, cannon firings, skirmishes, reenactments, and scenes from a sailor’s daily life. This is Port Columbus’ largest living history event and draws reenactors from around the country.

BIKING

EQUESTRIAN SHOWS

Mar. 17 . . . . . . . . . . Chain Buster Mt. Bike Race Ga. Int’l. Horse Pk., Conyers, 678-758-7206 Apr. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Full Moon Bike Ride Foster St. Pk., Fargo, 912-637-5274 Apr. 15. . . . . . . . . . . Best Dam Ride Ever (58M) Thurmond Dam, Clarks Hill, 706-855-2024 Apr. 20-22 . . . . . . . BRAG Spring Tune-Up Ride Heritage Park, Madison, 770-498-5153 Apr. 22. . . . . . . . . . . . Cross Country Mt. Biking Ga. Int’l. Horse Park., Conyers, 352-9279 Apr. 26-29 . . Clocktower Classic Handycycling Race, Rome, 800-444-1834 Apr. 27-28 . . . . . . Twilight Criterium & Festival Downtown Athens, 706-549-6632 Apr. 29. . . . . . . Roswell Criterium Bicycle Race 800-776-7935 May 5 . . . . Dirty Spokes 6hr/9hr Mt. Bike Race Ft. Yargto, Winder, 770-867-3489 May 8 . . . . . USA CRITS Finals & Global BMW Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge, 866-511-7742 May 20 . . . . . . Tour de Cure (10M, 66M, 103M) Albany, 404-320-7100

Mar. 15, Apr. 14 . . . . . . . . . . .Nature Trail Rides FDR St. Pk., Pine Mountain, 706-628-7463 Mar. 17 . . . . . . .St. Pat’s Day Trail Ride, Pebble Hill Plantation, 10am-1pm, 229-227-5384 Mar. 24 . . . . . . . . . .Poker Ride/Scavenger Hunt Stephens Pk., Crawfordville, 770-466-4430 Apr. 13 . . . . . . .Rodeo, Kingsland, 912-673-8199 Apr. 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Atlanta Steeplechase Kingston Downs, 404-237-7436

FISHING Mar. 10, Apr. 14, May 12 . . . . Fly Fishing Clinics Panola Mt., Stockbridge, 770-389-7801 Mar. 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flies & Fly Water Smithgall Woods, Helen, 706-878-3087 Mar. 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trout Tournament Helen, 706-878-1908

GEORGIA INT’L HORSE PARK Conyers, 888-860-4224, www.conyersga.com Mar. 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .S.E. Hunter/Jumper Series Mar. 10-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fox Classics Apr. 7-8 . . . . . . .Atlanta Dressage Southern I & II

RACING ROAD ATLANTA Braselton, 800-849-race, www.roadatlanta.com Mar. 9-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NASA Mar. 16-18 & May 19-20 . . . . . . . SCCA National Apr. 20-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AMA Big Kahuna Atlanta Motor Speedway . . . . . . . . . . . Hampton 770-946-4211, atlantamotorspeedway.com

Atlanta Dragway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commerce 770-682-3782, www.atlantadragway.com

Oglethorpe Speedway Park . . . . . . . . . . . Pooler 912-964-8200, www.ospracing.net

Silver Dollar Raceway . . . . . . . . . . . . Reynolds 478-847-4414, www.silverdollarraceway.com

March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Sporting Events Ocmulgee Wild Hog Festival in Abbeville See real wild hogs taken from the Ocmulgee Swamp during the 21st annual Ocmulgee Wild Hog Festival in Abbeville on Saturday, May 12. Among the events will be an exciting Hog-Dog Baying contest and a Children’s pig chase.

Browse through over 100 arts and crafts booths and over 30 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 a Poker Run. Gates will open at 9am, and admission will be $2 for all ages.

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. Phone 229-467-2144 for information on arts & crafts or 229-467-2107 for information on dog baying. The website is www.hogfestival.com.

BASKETBALL

MISCELLANEOUS

Mar. 7-9 . . . . . . . . Ga. H.S. State Championship Gwinnett Ctr., Duluth, 800-224-6422 Mar. 8-11 . . . . . . . . . . . ACC Men’s Tournament Philips Arena, Atlanta, 404-878-3000 Mar. 22-25 . . . . NCAA Regional Championship Ga. World Congress Ctr., Atlanta, 404-223-4000 Harlem Globetrotters Mar. 1 . . . . . . Albany Civic Center, 229-317-7217 Mar. 13. . . Columbus Civic Center, 706-494-8330 Mar. 15 . . . Savannah Civic Center, 800-351-7469 Mar. 16. . . . . . . Augusta Complex, 706-722-3521 Mar. 17 . . . Philips Arena, Atlanta, 404-878-3000 Mar. 18 . . . Gwinnett Ctr., Duluth, 800-224-6422

Mar. 3 . . Sandy Springs, 5K, 10K, 770-206-1446 Mar. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kite Rally Florence Marina St. Pk., Omaha, 229-838-4706 Mar. 9 . . . . . . . . . . Army v. West Point Football Ft. Benning, Columbus, 2pm, 706-545-3328 Mar. 10 . . . . . . Basic Land Navigation, Smithgall Woods, Helen, 10am, 706-878-3087 Mar. 10-11 . . . . . . . . . . Spartan Race Sprint GA Ga. Int’l. Horse Park, Conyers, 888-860-4224 Mar. 15-19. . . . . . . . St. Patrick’s Day Skydiving Celebration, Fitzgerald, 478-256-2562 Mar. 22-24. . . . . . . . . . International Boat Show Trade Center, Savannah, 864-250-9713 Mar. 24 . . . . SEC Women’s Gymnastics Champ Gwinnett Ctr., Duluth, 800-224-6422 Mar. 25-26 . . . . . . . Trackrock Trials Motorcycle Event, Blairsville, 706-745-2420 Mar. 30-Apr. 1 . . . . . . . Hammer-In at Trackrock Campground, Blairsville, 706-745-2420 Apr. 14 . . . . . . . Paddlin’, Peddlin’, Pickin’, New Echota River Alliance, Calhoun, 800-887-3811 Apr. 14. . . . . . Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race (run, paddle, bike), 800-899-6867 Apr. 14 . . . Women for the Woods, Buck Shoals State Park, Cleveland, 706-878-3087 Apr. 20 . . . . Wild Game Dinner/Entertainment Cane Mill Plantation, Albany, 229-639-2650 Apr. 30. . . . Savannah River Spring Classic, Port Wentworth, Houlihan Boat Dock, 912-965-1999 May 19. . . . Reverse Spring Triathlon (run, bike, swim), Ft. Benning, Columbus, 800-999-1613 May 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disc Golf Invitational Ft. Yargo State Park, Winder, 678-963-8891

A

WARNER ROBINS . . .

GREAT PLACE TO LAND!

Relive the Old Days at

Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival

April 21 & 22 and Oct.

20 & 21

www.mossycreekfestival.com

Experience the Museum of Aviation 4th Largest Aviation Museum in the U.S., Free Admission

GOLFING Apr. 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . Masters Golf Tournament www.museumofaviation.org Augusta Nat’l. Golf Club, 800-726-0243 Affordable Hotel Rooms Apr. 16-22 . . . . Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf 105 Restaurants Savannah Harbor Club, 877-savannah 1200 Seat Civic Center Apr. 30-May 6 . . . . Stadion Classic Nationwide Conference & Meeting Spaces Tournament, UGA, Athens, 800-653-0603 I-75 Exits 144 & 146 May 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . Easter Seals Tournament 888-288-WRGA • www.wrga.gov Bull Creek Course, Columbus, 706-660-1144 10 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS Arts in the Park in Blue Ridge The 36th Annual Arts in the Park Festival in Blue Ridge on May 26-27 will feature 175+ booths of juried fine art and handmade crafts, artists’ demonstrations, a Southern Appalachian Artist’s Guild Exhibit, an Artist-In-Residence exhibit by Estelle Schwarz & Janet Smith, great food, and great music. Some of the finest artists in the Southeast will be exhibiting paintings, photography, jewelry, glass, pottery, woodworking, sculpture, folk art, basketry, and metal work.

The festival will be held under the oaks in the beautiful City Park in historic Downtown Blue Ridge in the North Georgia Mountains. Hours will be Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Admission will be $5 with children admitted free.

The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Assn., producer of the festival, boasts 600+ artist members, is one of the largest art galleries in the North Georgia Mountains, and is housed in the historic Courthouse. Located only 90 minutes north of Atlanta, Blue Ridge offers shops, galleries, restaurants, community theater, Scenic Railway, Swan Drive-In Theater, and national forests with outdoor activities.

For more information, phone 706-632AY 2144, e-mail blueridgearts@gmail.com, or 25-27 – HELEN – Memorial Day Blast, Unicoi visit at www.blueridgearts.net. For area inforState Park. 800-573-9659. mation, visit www.blueridgemountains.com or 26 – ATLANTA – 4th Saturday Family Fun Day, call 706-632-5680.

Centennial Olympic Pk., 12-4pm. 404-223-4412.

27 – MORELAND – Memorial Day Ceremony, 26 – CARTERSVILLE – Mountain Music, Red 2pm. 770-254-2627.

Top Mountain State Park, 8pm. 770-975-4226.

28 – COLUMBUS – Memorial Day Dedication 26 – HELEN – Bavarianfest, Festhalle. 706Ceremony, Nat’l. Infantry Museum, 10am. 706878-1908. Visiting Artist; Concert at 8pm, Unicoi 685-5813.

State Park. 800-573-9659.

28 – ROSWELL – Roswell Remembers 26 – RICHMOND HILL – Confederate Soldier Memorial Day Celebration. 770-640-3253.

Program, Fort McAllister. 912-727-2339.

28 – SENOIA – Memorial Day Celebration.

26 – ROSWELL – Antique Appraisal, Smith 770-254-2627.

Plantation, 11am. 770-641-3978.

28 – SMYRNA – Memorial Day at 20th Cen26 – SAUTEE – Pig Out BBQ Benefit for Fire tury Veterans Memorial, 10am. 770-640-3253.

Dept., Art Center, 11am-4pm. 706-878-3300.

30 – ALBANY – Fairmount United Memorial 26-27 – BLAIRSVILLE – Arts & Crafts Day Festival. 866-750-0840.

Festival, Downtown. 706-994-4837.

26-27 – BLUE RIDGE – Arts in the Park Festival. 706-632-5680.

• Athletic Games 26-27 – DECATUR – Arts Festival, Down• Workshops town. 404-371-9583.

• Scottish Dance 26-27 – LUMPKIN – Creek Indian Wars of • Live Music 1836, Westville Village. 888-733-1850.

• Great Food 26-28 – STONE MOUNTAIN PARK – • Clan Gatherings Memorial Day Weekend. 770-498-5690.

• Kid Stuff 26-28 – SAVANNAH – Colonial Georgia’s • Genealogy Tent Military Operations, Wormsloe. 912-353-3023.

• Live Demos 26-28 – WARM SPRINGS – Swim Historic • Animals Pools, FDR’s Little White House. 706-655-5870.

M

• and more . . .

The greatest achievements are those j

CatCh the exCitement at

meeks Park June 9 & 10

two hours north of atlanta

that benefit others.

FriDaY, June 8

To be the greatest, be a servant.

M A T T H E W 2 3 : 1 1 TLB

Ceilidh Reception & Kilted Golf Classic

GOD’S LITTLE INSTRUCTION BOOK Honor Books, Inc., Tulsa, OK

1-877-745-5789

www.BlairsvillescottishFestival.org

March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

11

Entertainment Venues in Georgia ATLANTA CIVIC CENTER

COBB GALLERIA CENTRE

404-658-7159, www.atlantaciviccenter.com Mar. 3 Atlanta Blues Festival Mar. 17 Royal Comedy Tour Apr. 21 DST Star Cinema

Atlanta, 770-989-5095, www.cobbgalleria.com Mar. 4 Georgia Bridal Show Mar. 9-11 American Craft Council Show Mar. 17-18 Model Train Show Mar. 23-25 Atlanta Spring Home Show

AUGUSTA ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX 706-722-3521,www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

Mar. 6 Mar. 8 Mar. 16 Mar. 24 Apr. 13 May 22-23

Elton John & Band Augusta Symphony/Michael Jackson Music Don Williams Steve Harvey Godsmack & Staind Lady Antebellum

CALLANWOLDE Atlanta, 404-872-5338, www.callanwolde.org Mar. 25 Callanwolde Concert Band Mar. 25 Silent Movie/live organ music Apr. 14 Callanwolde Dance Ensemble May 4-6 Spring Pottery Sale

CHASTAIN PARK Atlanta, 404-223-2227, www.chastainseries.com May 21 Paul Simon May 27-28 James Taylor & Band

CLASSIC CENTER Athens, 800-918-6393, www.classiccenter.com Mar. 24 Fiddler on the Roof Apr. 1 Dancing with the Athens Stars Apr. 7 Athens Symphony Orchestra May 11-12 Athens Symphony Orchestra

COBB ENERGY CENTRE Atlanta, 770-916-2800, www.cobbenergycentre.com Mar. 3,6,9,11 Atlanta Opera: Golden Ticket Mar. 16 Jeanne Robertson Mar. 17 Ralphie May Mar. 23-25 Atlanta Ballet: Man in Black Mar. 27 Daughtry Mar. 29-Apr. 1 Young Frankenstein Apr. 4 Chaka Khan Apr. 11 Kevin James Apr. 13 Fresh Beat Band Apr. 14 Josh Turner Apr. 28-May 6 Atlanta Opera: Don Giovanni May 9 Bonnie Raitt May 12 Zelda May 13-14 Evening with Yanni May 17 Trace Adkins May 19 Imagination Movers

FERST CENTER FOR THE ARTS Atlanta, 404-894-9600, www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu Mar. 3 Guitarist Earl Klugh Mar. 16 Pilobolus Mar. 31 Jake Shimabukuro, ukulele Apr. 13 Michael Miles Apr. 14 Claire Lynch Band Apr. 14 Grascals Apr. 15 Dailey & Vincent

FOX THEATRE Atlanta, 404-881-2100, www.foxtheatre.org Mar. 1 Diana Ross Mar. 3 Salim Sulaiman Mar. 4 Soweto Gospel Mar. 5 Aretha Franklin Mar. 8 Trey Songz/Big Sean Mar. 10 Experience Hendrix Mar. 13-18 Billy Elliott Mar. 24 Moody Blues Apr. 3 Moscow Festival Ballet Apr. 19 Dove Awards Apr. 21 Human Nature Apr. 24-29 Les Miserables May 22-June 10 Jersey Boys

GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIRGROUNDS Perry, 478-988-8000, www.perryga.com Mar. 11 Wedding Extravaganza Mar. 20-25 Good Sam RV Rally Mar. 24-Apr. 1 Tykes, Tots, Teens Consignment Mar. 30-31 Home & Garden Show Mar. 30-31 Middle Georgia Koi Show & Sale Apr. 28-29 Eastman Gun Shows

GRAND OPERA HOUSE Macon, 478-301-5460, www.thegrandmacon.com Mar. 4 Romeo & Juliet Mar. 6 Little Engine That Could Mar. 9 Ballet Folklorico de Colombia Mar. 20-21 Fiddler on the Roof Mar. 23-24 Girls Night–the Musical Apr. 7, 9 Damn Yankees Apr. 19 One Night of Queen

GWINNETT CENTER Duluth, 800-224-6422, www.gwinnettcenter.com Mar. 3 Gwinnett Ballet: Cinderella Mar. 8-10 Sewing & Quilt Expo Mar. 9-11 Southern Ballet: Pirates Mar. 16-18 N.E. Atlanta Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Mar. 28-Apr. 1 Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove Apr. 10 Red Hot Chili Peppers Apr. 14-15 Atlanta Chinese Ballet Apr. 20-22 Applause Talent Apr. 28 Lulu Bash/Daddy Yankee May 15 Masterworks: Grand Night for Moms May 18, 20 N.E. Atlanta Ballet: Beauty & the Beast

HARRIS ARTS CENTER Calhoun, 706-629-2599, www.harrisartscenter.com Mar. 3 Chamber Players of South Mar. 18-26 Rumors Mar. 22-25 Calhoun Little Theatre: Radio Gals Apr. 21 Glory to Gospel Competition

IMPERIAL THEATRE Augusta, 706-722-8341, www.imperialtheatre.com Mar. 16 Augusta Ballet: Ballet Hispanico Mar. 17 Livingston Taylor Mar. 18 Ralphie May Mar. 20-23 Menopause the Musical Mar. 31 Jack & the Beanstalk Apr. 12 Tim O’Shields

12

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

Entertainment Venues in Georgia JENNY ANDERSON THEATRE

ROSWELL CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

Marietta, 770-528-8490, www.cobbcountyga.gov Mar. 3 Chubby Checker Mar. 16 Jay & the Americans Mar. 31 Coasters, Platters, Marvelettes Larry Gatlin Apr. 14

770-594-6232, www.roswellgov.com Mar. 18 Georgia Brass Band Mar. 25 Justin Towns Earle/Joe McGuinness

LUCAS THEATRE Savannah, 912-525-5050, www.lucastheatre.com Thru Mar. 3 Spring Awakening Mar. 9 Menopause the Musical Apr. 21, May 19 Savannah Philharmonic

MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER Madison, 877-233-0598, www.mmcc-arts.org Evening with Mr. Jefferson & Mr. Madison Mar. 5-6 Mar. 18 Livingston Taylor Mar. 22 Taste of Madison

PHILIPS ARENA Atlanta, 404-878-3000, www.philipsarena.com Mar. 4 Romeo Santos Mar. 18 Bruce Springsteen Apr. 19 Van Halen Apr. 23 Rammstein May 2 Nickelback

PUNCHLINE COMEDY THEATRE Atlanta, 404-252-5233, www.punchline.com Mar. 1-3 Jeremy Hotz Mar. 8-10 Tom Rhodes Mar. 22-24 Greg Fitzsimmons Mar. 30-31 Jon Reep Apr. 5-8 Sugar Sammy

RIALTO CENTER Atlanta, 404-413-9tix, www.rialtocenter.org Mar. 3 One Sunday Morning Mar. 10 Trey McIntyre Project (dance) Mar. 17 Spanish Harlem Orchestra Mar. 24 Anoushka Shankar Mar. 31 Cedric Watson/Bijou Creole/Feufollet Apr. 13-15 GSU Opera Theatre/Symphony Apr. 20 Dave Douglas, Jazz Apr. 21 Idan Raichel/Vieux Farka Toure Quartet Apr. 22 Lost Son Apr. 28 Poncho Sanchez/Terence Blanchard May 12 Spiritist Symposium

SCHWARTZ CENTER Atlanta, 404-727-5050, www.arts.emory.edu Mar. 2 Pianist Christopher O’Riley Apr. 6 Dawn Upshaw, Soprano Apr. 12 Australian Chamber Orchestra

SPIVEY HALL Morrow, 678-466-4200, www.spiveyhall.org Mar. 4 Pianist Yefim Bronfman Mar. 10 Anonymous 4 Mar. 24 Guitarist Sharon Isbin Mar. 25 Pianist Ursula Oppens Apr. 14 Charles Castronovo, Tenor Apr. 15 Beijing Guitar Duo Apr. 21 Brentano String Quartet Apr. 28 Organist Steven Wooddell Apr. 29 Pianist Angela Hewitt May 19 Organist Gillian Weir

STRAND THEATRE Marietta, 770-293-0080, www.earlsmithstrand.org Mar. 1-4 Ain’t Misbehavin’ Mar. 9 Blair Crimmins & Hookers Mar. 10 Jazz on the Square Mar. 23-25 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Apr. 13-14 Movie The General Apr. 20-May 6 Light in the Piazza May 20 Silent Movie The Eagle (Valentino)

VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE Atlanta, 404-733-5010, www.vzwamp.com Apr. 6, 8 Passion City Church: Good Friday Service Apr. 29 Tom Petty/Heartbreakers/Regina Spektor May 4 Eagles May 6 Project 961 Cinco Party

1st Annual

RIVERCENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS Columbus, 706-256-3612, www.rivercenter.org Mar. 4 Vienna Boys Choir Mar. 6-7 Menopause the Musical Mar. 22-23 Fiddler on the Roof Mar. 27 Kevin Hart Mar. 31 Carmina & Copland Apr. 12 Say Goodnight Gracie Apr. 15 The Knights Apr. 21 Columbus Symph. Orch./ Violinist Tai Murray Apr. 24-25 South Pacific Apr. 28 Ron White May 4 Gary Krinsky: Toying with Science May 15-16 Mamma Mia!

SAUTEE-NACOOCHEE CENTER 706-878-3300, www.snca.org Mar. 12 Francine Reed Mar. 17 Dede Vogt/Caroline Arkin May 19 Folklife Festival Apr. 21-22 Broadway Style Revue

SAVANNAH CIVIC CENTER 800-351-7469, www.savannahcivic.com Mar. 12 Pink Floyd Experience Mar. 15 Carrigbyrne Pike Choir Mar. 23 Royal Comedy Tour Apr. 4 Alison Krauss & Union Station Apr. 10 Daniel Tosh Apr. 13 Josh Turner May 4 Trace Adkins May 5 Straight No Chaser

April 27 & 28 DOWNTOWN CALHOUN FRIDAY 6:30-10:30 P.M. Barbecue Competition Street Dance • Live Entertainment Fashion Runway Event Food & Drink Vendors SATURDAY 8:30 a.m. Benefit Bicycle Ride Arts & Crafts Vendors Live Entertainment • Kid Zones Amazing Race • BBQ Contest Winners

800-887-3811 www.ExploreGordonCounty.com e-mail sueellen@gordonchamber.org

March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

13

P Theatre DIRECTORY directory P ACT 3 PRODUCTIONS

AURORA THEATRE

Sandy Springs, 770-241-1905, www.act3productions.org Mar. 16-25 Beauty and the Beast Apr. 27-May 6 Steel Magnolias

Lawrenceville, 678-226-6222, www.auroratheatre.com Mar. 15-Apr. 8 Bonnie & Clyde May 3-27 Fox on the Fairway

AGATHA’S

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER

Atlanta, 404-584-2211, www.agathas.com Thru Apr. 8 Jekyllicious Apr. 19-July 25 America’s Got Murder

706,632-9223, www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com Mar. 1-18 Tom, Dick, & Harry Mar. 31 Concert: Cox, Lorkovic, Mal Sylvia Apr. 5-22 A Murder Is Announced May 10-27

ALLIANCE THEATRE Atlanta, 404-733-5000, www.alliancetheatre.org Mar. 9-Apr. 8 I Just Stopped By to See the Man Thru Mar. 11 Wizard of Oz Apr. 5-May 13 Ghost Brothers of Darkland County

ALPHARETTA CHRISTIAN THEATER 678-371-3079, www.act1thater.com Mar. 2-25 The New Kid on the Block

ART STATION Stone Mountain, 770-469-1105, www.artstation.org Apr. 12-15 Tip Tap Two

ATHENS COMMUNITY THEATRE

CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS Atlanta, 404-873-3391, www.puppet.org Thru Mar. 11 Space!

Mar. 8-Apr. 1 Adventures of Little Noodle Apr. 5-May 27 Peter Pan

DALTON LITTLE THEATRE 706-226-6618, www.daltonlittletheatre.com Mar. 22-31 Diary of Ann Frank May 10-18 Daughters of the Lone Star State

FORT GORDON PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE 706-793-8552, www.fortgordon.com

706-548-3854, www.townandgownplayers.org Apr. 13-22 Amadeus Apr. 27-29 SS4

Thru Mar. 10 May 11-26

ATLANTA LYRIC THEATRE

GAINESVILLE THEATRE ALLIANCE

Marietta, 404-377-9948, www.atlantalyrictheatre.com Thru Mar. 4 Ain’t Misbehavin’ Apr. 20-May 6 Light in the Piazza

GEORGIA ENSEMBLE THEATRE

ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 404-733-4900, www.atlantasymphony.org Classical Concerts: Mar. 1,2,4,8,10,22,23,24 Apr. 12,14,16,19,20,21,26,27,28 May 10,11,12,17,18,19,20,24,25,26 Pops Concerts: Mar. 16-17; May 4-5 Jazz Concert Mar. 3 Family Concert: Apr. 29

14

Children of Eden Game Show

678-717-3624, www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org April 10-21 Importance of Being Earnest Roswell, 770-641-1260, www.get.org Thru Mar. 11 The Foreigner Apr. 12-29 Johnny Cash Musical Show

HABERSHAM COMMUNITY THEATRE Clarkesville, 706-839-1315, www.habershamtheater.org Mar. 2-10 Lend Me a Tenor Apr. 13-21 A Month of Sundays

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

P Theatre DIRECTORY directory P Tales from the Altamaha in Lyons Tales from the Altamaha is a Georgia folk-life play drawn from the writings of a local attorney, Colonel T. Ross Sharpe, who was born and raised on the banks of the Altamaha River.

His stories bring to life colorful characters from the past, the regional settlers of a five-county radius. The plays are performed at the Blue Marquee Theater, 121 N. State St., Downtown Lyons.

Since 2005, Tales from the Altamaha has taken its audience on a journey through the magic of the dramatic arts to experience a story of lives, loves, losses, and just plain ol’ gossip. Lyons Better Hometown selects a different set of stories each year and creates a brand new experience on the stage.

The 2012 production, Front Porches, Rocking Chairs, & Sweet Tea, will be performed April 1221. Ticket prices range from $10-$20; group rates are available. Reserve your tickets by calling 912-526-6445 or visit www.talesfromthealtamaha.com for more information.

ISLAND PLAYERS

SWAMP GRAVY

St. Simons Island, 912-638-0338, theislandplayers.com Mar. 9-25 Don’t Mention My Name May 11-27 1940’s Radio Hour

Colquitt, 229-758-5450, www.swampgravy.com March Solid Ground Apr. 8-16 May-Haw

MACON LITTLE THEATRE

TALES FROM THE ALTAMAHA

478-471-play, www.maconlittletheatre.org Apr. 6-15 Oklahoma!

May 18-27 Dixie Swim Club

Lyons, 912-526-6445, www.talesfromthealtamaha.com Apr. 12-21 Front Porches, Rocking Chairs, & Sweet Tea

MAIN STREET PLAYERS

Jasper, 770-547-1096, www.taterpatchplayers.org Apr. 21 Evening with Marc Unger Apr. 4-May 19 The Foreigner

Griffin, 770-229-9916, www.mainstreetplayers.org Apr. 12-22 Titanic the Musical

NEW AMERICAN

SHAKESPEARE THEATRE TAVERN

Atlanta, 404-874-5299, www.shakespearetavern.com Mar. 1-Apr. 1 Merry Wives of Windsor Apr. 5-29 Much Ado About Nothing May 3-27 Canterbury Tales

NEW DEPOT PLAYERS Conyers, 678-374-3224, www.thenewdepotplayers.com Mar. 1-11 Glass Menagerie Apr. 26-May 6 ‘Til Beth Do Us Part

NEWNAN THEATER COMPANY 770-683-6282, www.newnantheatre.org Mar. 15-25 Joseph & Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Apr. 19-29 Les Liaisons Dangereuses May 10-20 Epic Proportions

NEXT STAGE THEATRE Marietta, 678-744-next, www.nextstagetheatre.net Mar. 23-Apr. 8 Jesus Christ Superstar

PERRY PLAYERS 478-987-5354, www.perryplayers.org Mar. 1-4 Sex Please, We’re Sixty!

May 4-13 The Odd Couple

PUMPHOUSE PLAYERS

Cartersville 770-387-2610, www.pumphouseplayers.com Mar. 23-31 It’s All in the Timing May 11-19 Frankenstein Summer

SPRINGER THEATRE Columbus 706-324-5714, www.springeroperahouse.org Mar. 1-17 Damn Yankees Mar. 23-31 Amazing Grace Apr. 12-21 I Tweeted on My iPad May 3-19 Tuna Does Vegas

SOUTHSIDE THEATRE GUILD Fairburn, 770-969-0956, www.stgplays.com Apr. 26-May 13 Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

STAGE DOOR PLAYERS Dunwoody, 770-396-1726, www.stagedoorplayers.net Mar. 16-Apr. 8 Same Time, Next Year May 18-June 10 Lend Me a Tenor

TATER PATCH PRODUCTIONS

THEATRE ALBANY 229-439-7193, www.theatrealbany.com Apr. 12-22 Harvey

THEATRE GUILD VALDOSTA 229-247-8243, www.theatreguildvaldosta.com Mar. 23-Apr. 1 Seussical, the Musical, Jr. May 17-26 Caught in the Net

THEATRE IN THE SQUARE Marietta, 770-422-8369, www.theatreinthesquare.com Thru Mar. 10 Red Letter Jesus Mar. 7-Apr. 8 Flyin’ West Apr. 25-May 27 Tuna Does Vegas

THEATRE MACON 478-746-9485, www.theatremacon.com Apr. 6-21 Titanic the Musical May 18-26 The Odd Couple

THOMASVILLE ON STAGE & CO. www.tosac.com Apr. 26-May 6

Purlie Victorious

GREAT GRIFFIN

MAYFLING April 28 & 29

SATURDAY 10 A.M. - 6 P.M. SUNDAY 11 A.M. - 5 P.M.

GRIFFIN CITY PARK •Juried Arts & Crafts •Food •Entertainment •Children’s Activities •S.E. Reptile Rescue •Puppet Show

770-228-8200

www.griffinchamber.com – No Pets Please –

March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 15

Enjoy Spring in Georgia –f Spring Events in McDuffie County

Fitzgerald Wild Chicken Festival

Photo courtesy Ga. Dept. of Economic Dev.

The 19th Annual Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival will be held on May 19. There’s nothing better than a day spent in the South listening to some Blues. It just whisks people away to a slower time. Noted as one of the top small cultural events in the Southeast, the Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival will celebrate its 19th Anniversary this year and will offer a uniquely southern day of great music.

Thomson’s annual Car Show at the Depot will be April 28. The car show draws hundreds of people to downtown Thomson to view dozens of antique and collectible autos, cars, and trucks. Trophies and prize money will be awarded to those declared winners in different categories of the car/truck show.

The first Saturday in May will mark the Dearing Mayfest, which has something for everyone. Share in the fun, shopping, food, and entertainment.

The day will start with the parade at 9am and a variety of entertainment throughout the day.

For information, phone 706-597-1000 or visit www.exploremcduffiecounty.com.

Monthly Events in Georgia Mar. 2, Apr. 6, May 4 – BRUNSWICK – First Friday, Downtown, 5-8pm. 912-265-4032.

Mar. 2, Apr. 6, May 4 – PERRY – First Friday, 7:30pm. 478-987-1234.

Mar. 2, Apr. 6, May 4 – THOMASVILLE – First Friday, Downtown, 5-9pm. 229-227-7020.

Mar. 2, Apr. 6, May 4 – VALDOSTA – First Friday, Downtown, 6:30-9:30pm. 229-242-2600.

Mar. 2-May 26 – WOODBINE – Opry, Fridays & Saturdays, 7-10pm. 912-576-3027.

Mar. 2-May 30 – BLAIRSVILLE – Misty Mt. RR Tours, Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat., 2pm. 706-745-9819.

Mar. 8, Apr. 12, May 10 – BLAIRSVILLE – Shape Note Singing, Courthouse, 6:30pm. 706745-5493.

Mar. 9-May 19 – AMERICUS – SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Call for dates. 877-ga-rails.

Mar. 11, Apr. 15-May 27 – AUGUSTA – Candlelight Jazz, Riverwalk, Sun., 7pm. 706-495-6238.

Mar. 17-May 23 – BLUE RIDGE – Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Call for dates. 877-413-8724 or 706-632-8724.

Mar. 18, Apr. 15, May 13 – THOMASVILLE – Concerts, Thomas Univ., 4pm. 229-227-6964.

Mar. 23, May 18 – THOMASVILLE – Fridays at Noon Concerts, Thomas Univ. 229-227-6964.

Mar. 23, Apr. 13, May 11 – LUMPKIN – Craft Day, Westville Village. 888-733-1850.

Mar. 24, Apr. 28, May 19 – SAUTEE – Contra Dance/Potluck Dinner, 6:30pm. 706-878-3300.

Mar. 26, Apr. 29, May 27 – JEKYLL ISLAND – Dinner Dance, J. I. Club Hotel. 912-635-5155.

Mar. 27, Apr. 17, May 15 – BRUNSWICK – Rhythm on the River, Queen Square. 912-265-4032.

Apr. 4 & 11 – DOUGLAS – Munch & Music, Emma Ward Park, 12-1pm. 229-314-0310 Apr. 7, May 5 – BLAIRSVILLE – Cruise-In on the Square, 4-8pm. 706-994-6643.

The exotic and beautiful Burmese chickens are a familiar part of the downtown Fitzgerald scene. Resembling fighting game chickens, they sport brilliant orange and yellow ruffs and gleaming black tail feathers.

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 buy seed and 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 on Saturday, March 17, in the historic downtown with arts & crafts, food, fun, and more. There will be a pancake breakfast at 6am, a 5K Wild Chicken Sprint at 8am, a chicken crowing contest at noon, a wing eating contest at 2pm, a group chicken dance at 4pm, and entertainment all day. For information, visit www.fitzgeraldga.org or phone 800386-4642 or e-mail fitztourism@mchsi.com.

16 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

from Coast to Mountains!

Mayfling Arts & Crafts Festival in Griffin The Great Griffin Mayfling will celebrate its 29th year of fine arts and crafts, food by local vendors, entertainment, children’s activities, and more in City Park on April 28-29. The Mayfling is a juried show of fine arts and crafts with prizes awarded in both categories.

Applications are available at the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce at 770-228-8200 or www.griffinchamber.com.

Griffin’s City Park will come alive with activity on Saturday, April 28, from 10am-6pm. The annual Chess Tournament and Texas Hold’em will be held in the Community Center at the Park, and entertainment will be presented in the main pavilion.

The Southeastern Reptile Rescue, as seen on Animal Planet, will have a display of live snakes and other reptiles on both days with seminars on these animals presented by Jason Clark. A puppet show will also be held on Saturday. Festival hours on Sunday will be from 11am-5pm.

Dairy Festival in Eatonton The 53rd Annual Putnam County Dairy Festival will be held in Eatonton on Saturday, June 2. Activities will begin at 8am with the 34th annual 10K Torture Trail Road Race & One Mile Fun Run. (706-485-9941). A parade at 10am will feature the Queen of the Dairy Festival and her court, Junior Miss Putnam County and her court, floats, antique cars, Shriners, dignitaries, clowns, and horses. A program at 11am will recognize the Putnam County Dairy Farm Family of the year. The festival pays tribute to the county’s dairy industry and is held on the streets surrounding the courthouse.

An Arts and Crafts Fair will be open from 9am-5pm and will feature arts, crafts, food, and children’s activities. The Pilot Club will sell BBQ and stew from 11am-1:30pm. Free ice cream and milk along with an educational dairy exhibit will be provided on the Square, and entertainment featuring local artists will be held there from 12:30-4pm.

For booth space, contact Yvonne Harrell at 706-485-8112; Charlotte Green at 706-473-0336; or e-mail glendar@pceatonton.org. For information about the festival or an application to participate, visit www.pceatonton.org/dairy.

March 1 – GRIFFIN – Griffin Choral Arts: Gloria!

Griffin Auditorium, 7:30pm. 770-229-6400.

1-3 – CONYERS – Tykes, Tots, Teens Consignment Sale, Ga. Int’l. Horse Pk. 888-860-4224.

1-4 – SAVANNAH – Skidaway Island Antiques Show/Sale, St. Peter’s Episcopal. 912-598-7242.

2 – HELEN – Taste of the Town, Unicoi Lodge, 6:30pm. 706-865-5356.

2-3 – THOMASTON – Oklahoma! at R. E. Lee Auditorium. 706-647-1605.

3 – DOUGLAS – Wiregrass Arts/Children’s Art Festivals, Central Square Com. 912-384-5978.

3 – EVANS – Georgia Guitar Quartet, Hardin Arts Center, 7:30pm. 706-826-4705.

3 – MONTEITH – Collard Greens Festival, Promised Land Farm. 912-224-1199.

3 – RICHMOND HILL – 50th Anniversary Birthday Bash/Picnic in Gregory Pk. 912-756-2676.

3 – WAYCROSS – Azalea Festival, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. 912-283-3744.

Come step back in time at at the the Battle of Resaca Reenactment

May 19–20 Relive history, see the smoke, smell the gunpowder and hear the thunder of battle. Held on the original 1864 Resaca Battlefield. Just an hour north of Atlanta, off I-75 and Exit 320.

www.georgiadivision.org • 800-887-3811

March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Blessing of the Fleet Festival in Darien The 44th annual Blessing of the Fleet Festival will be held in historic Darien April 20-22. The festival kicks-off Friday at 5pm with arts and crafts and food including sweet Georgia Shrimp. The Waterfront Park stage will come alive at 7pm with a concert by country performer BlackHawk.

Saturday events will include a street parade with U.S. military and Scottish color guards at 10am, 5K Darien River run/walk at 8am, continuous live entertainment, Kids’ Zone, classic car show at 11am, and a performance

by Sensational Sounds of Motown at 7pm. Art in the Park, a juried fine art show in Vernon Square, will host the soulful jazz of Michael Huett on Saturday and Sunday along with a fine selection of paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and textiles. Sunday’s entertainment on the Waterfront Park stage will feature a religious rock concert at 11am.

The Shrimp Boat Marine Parade beginning Sunday at 2pm will be followed by the blessing ceremony overseen by representatives of the Darien-McIntosh Ministerial Association. An awards ceremony will follow at 4pm.

Admission on Friday and Saturday will be $5/13 & up and free/12 & under with paying adult.

There will be no admission charge on Sunday. For information, phone 912-437-2683, visit www.blessingofthefleet.com, or e-mail info@BlessingoftheFleet.com.

Baxley Tree Fest The 22nd annual Baxley Tree Fest will be held April 13-14 in Downtown Baxley. Pre-festival fun will begin with the annual Tree-Tography Contest, Tree Fest Fun Run and 5K, and a Cake Bake Competition. Festivities will begin Friday, April 13, with the official Tree Fest T-shirt day; t-shirts can be purchased for $10 each.

On Friday night at 6pm (admission $2/person), boogie down at the annual Street Dance featuring live entertainment by the Swingin’ Medallions, great food, a kids’ fun zone, and arts and crafts vendors.

On Saturday, April 14, festivities will include something for everyone: a pancake breakfast, car/motorcycle/antique tractor show, all day local entertainment, arts and crafts, great food, a Kids Fun Zone, and more. Vendors are welcome.

For information or an application to participate in the event, contact Paula Tanner at 912-367-7731, baxleytourism@bellsouth.net, or visit www.baxley.org.

March 5 – JEKYLL ISLAND – Luncheon & Fashion Show, Morgan Center, noon. 912-635-9112.

8 – GRIFFIN – Carpe Diem String Quartet, Griffin Auditorium. 770-229-6400.

8-11 – CARTERSVILLE – Southeastern Cowboy Gathering, Booth Museum. 770-387-1300.

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

9-10 – BARNESVILLE – Oklahoma! at Lamar Performing Arts Center. 706-647-1605.

9-11 – JEKYLL – Art Festival, Goodyear Cottage. Arts/Antiques, Morgan Ctr. 912-635-2400.

9-11 – PERRY TO JEKYLL – Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale. 912-375-5035.

9-18 – ELBERTON – A Few Good Men, Elbert Theatre. 706-283-1049.

10 – ALBANY – Keith Sweat/Manhattans/TK Soul, Civic Center, 7pm. 229-317-7217.

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GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games The Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games on June 9 & 10 at Meeks Park will celebrate Scottish heritage by showcasing Scottish foods, athletics, music, and dance. Festival hours will be 8am-5pm with an opening ceremony Saturday at noon, a worship service followed by Kirkin’ of the Tartans Sunday at 9am, and a closing ceremony Sunday at 3pm.

The Kilted Golf Tournament and Ceilidh Reception with buffet dinner and entertainment will be held June 8. There will be a genealogy tent; musical workshops; children’s activities; Border Collie, Gordon Setter, and Falconry demonstrations; exhibit of Scottish Highland Cattle; Flying Hawkes Ax Throwing; and reenactments by Clann Nan Con. The Highland Games will include traditional contests, and athletes must wear kilts to compete.

Entertainment will be presented by the Oatcakes, Hooligans, Colin Grant-Adams, Tres de Solei, solo pipers Jacob and Joshua Craig, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, and Glencoe School of Scottish Highland Dance. Playing the pipes and drums will be the Atholl Highlanders, Alhambra Highlanders, Chattahoochee Celtics, Appalachian St. Andrews, John Mor MacIntosh, and North Atlanta bands.

Admission will be $10/day or $15/two days with children 12 & under free. For information, call 706-745-5789 or 877-745-5789 or visit www.BlairsvilleScottishFestival.com.

Ball Ground Heritage Days Festival The Ball Ground Heritage Days Festival will be held May 19-20 in the heart of the city. The two day event will feature arts and crafts, good food, children’s activities, and entertainment.

The festivities will begin Saturday at 10am with a parade through downtown featuring floats, antique cars, Shriners, ball teams, and more. A $1.98 Beauty Contest will be held Saturday at 5:30pm, and dancing in the park will begin at 3pm on Saturday. Festival hours will be Saturday from 11am-6pm and Sunday from 11am-4pm. On Saturday, entertainment will be provided by Atlanta’s very own Soul Purpose, an 11 piece Blues & Motown band with a 4 piece horn section.

To reach Ball Ground take I-575N to exit 27. For information, phone 678-315-4411 or visit www.ballgroundheritagedays.com.

March 10 – AUGUSTA – Augusta Symphony Kitchen Tour. 706-826-4705.

10 – PERRY – Perry Idol Finale, The River, 6pm. 478-987-1234.

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

10 – TYBEE ISLAND – Irish Heritage Celebration Parade, 3pm. 912-786-5444.

10-11 – FORSYTH – Forsythia Festival, Downtown. 888-642-4628.

10-11 – THOMASVILLE – Cheesemaking 101 at Sweet Grass Dairy. 229-227-0752.

10-11 – VALDOSTA – Valdosta-Lowndes Azalea Festival, Drexel Park. 229-269-9381.

11 – CARTERSVILLE – N.W. Georgia Bridal Expo, Brown Conference Center. 770-606-5763.

12-14 – JEKYLL ISLAND – South Wings FlyIn, Airport. 877-4jekyll.

14-15 – PERRY – Dogwood Festival. 478988-1234.

March 31, 2012 Cleveland, GA

Saturday, 7:30-9am 11am 2pm 3pm

Breakfast

(Reservations Required 706-865-2171) Easter Parade in Downtown Cleveland Egg Hunt with 25,000 eggs

Cabbage Patch Kid Easter Bonnet Contest 9am-5p.m Arts, Crafts & Children’s Activities All at Babyland General Hospital 300 N.O.K. Drive, Cleveland, GA

706-865-5356 www.cabbagepatchkids.com www.whitecountychamber.org

March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Georgia Strawberry Festival in Reynolds With an emphasis on fitness, “It will be a Berry Fit Time for the 14th Annual Georgia Strawberry Festival” on April 27-28 in Reynolds, located approximately 22 miles west of I-75 at the intersection of GA 96 and GA 128. Admission and parking will be free. For information, phone 478-847-5301 or visit www.ga-strawberry.org.

The fun will begin Friday evening in the park with a BBQ pork dinner, hot dogs, hamburgers, strawberry shortcake, children’s activities, and performances in the park gazebo by the gospel group, Southern Vision, from Valley, AL. Saturday’s events will begin with a 5K run at 8am, Home Run Derby at 9:30am, a Children’s Parade at 10am with all youth invited to participate, and the Grand Parade with antique and classic cars, trucks, bands, and more. There will be over 100 artists and craftsmen from around the S.E., a car and truck show, vintage jukebox spinning records in the gazebo, farmers’ market, strawberries for sale, food, entertainment by area talent all day, carnival rides, old book sale, photography contest, local artists’ exhibit, the Georgia Strawberry Cook-Off at the Flint Energies Headquarters Building at 1pm (with samples), and the Lawn Mower Races at 5pm. Admission and parking will be free; the event is handicap accessible.

Georgia’s Peach Blossom Trail Find peach trees in bloom from mid-February through the first of April somewhere along Georgia’s Peach Blossom Trail which runs along US 41-341, parallel to I-75, and offers north/south travelers in the center of the state an alternative to the traffic and congestion of the interstate.

For almost six weeks peach blossoms transform the rolling plains into a sea of pink and white. The majority of blooms can be found in Peach (Fort Valley & Byron) and Crawford (Roberta) Counties, but blooms are viewable in limited areas in most of the counties along the trail. Generally the farther south you are, the earlier the blooming season. Also the varieties of fruit determine the blooming times. Mother Nature has the final say as she dictates the minimum of chill hours (temperature below 40-45 degrees), abundant sun, and warm temperature before blooming begins.

Beginning in May, peaches will be available at packing facilities, roadside stands, and markets. Producing almost 85% of the peaches in Georgia are the counties along the Peach Blossom Trail: Clayton, Henry, Lamar, Spalding, Crawford, Monroe, Peach, and Houston. They all have attractions from stately antebellum mansions in Clayton to the Atlanta Speedway in Henry, the Museum of Aviation in Houston, and Massee Lane Gardens in Peach. For more information visit www.peachblossomtrail.com or phone 888-288-9742.

Fitzgerald Wild Chicken Festival Saturday

March 17 HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

All Day Events include, but not limited to . . .

Family Fun •Chicken Shows at the Coop Children’s Activities •Great Food Pancake Breakfast (6 a.m.) •5K Sprint 1 mi. Fun Run •Pine Wood Derby Race Miss Wild Chicken Pageants Souvenirs •Wing Eating Contest Entertainment Throughout the Day 800-386-4642 • www.fitzgeraldga.org

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March 16 – CONYERS – World’s Fastest Growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Olde Town, 4:30pm. 770602-2606.

16 – FITZGERALD – Bushmen Street Dance, White Swan Lot, 7pm. 229-426-5035.

16-17 – DILLARD – Top of Georgia Bluegrass Jamboree, Dillard House. 706-746-2690.

16-25 – MACON – International Cherry Blossom Festival. 478-751-7429.

17 – ALBANY – Chicken Wing Fest, Fairgrounds, 11am. 229-869-0364.

17 – AUGUSTA – Augusta Symphony Orchestra, 1st Baptist. 706-826-4705.

17 – CARTERSVILLE – Etowah Indian Mounds Artifact ID Day. 770-387-3747.

17 – CLEVELAND – St. Patrick’s Celebration, BabyLand General Hospital. 706-865-2171.

17 – COLUMBUS – Paddy Goes to Sea, Port Columbus Civil War Naval Museum. 706-327-9798.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

Magical Easter Eggstravaganza in Cleveland The 24th Annual Cabbage Patch Kids Easter Eggstravaganza will be held Saturday, March 31, on 650 acres in the Northeast Georgia Mountains.

The ‘Kids™ are anticipating a chance to find a family to make their own. The hospital staff will have a day of activities planned for you and the ‘Kids in their 70,000 sq. foot, antebellum home. There will be breakfast with the Easter Bunny (reservations required at 706-865-2171), an arts and crafts festival, dancing with Cabbage Patch Kid costume characters, hourly prize drawings, a free Easter Egg hunt with 25,000 eggs on the grounds of BabyLand General Hospital, and an Easter Parade through the town square in Cleveland at 11am.

Be creative and enter the Cabbage Patch Kid’s Easter Bonnet contest at 3pm. Make a little Easter Bonnet for your Cabbage Patch Kid. The adoptable babies, whose roots stem from the arts, understand the energy, excitement, and satisfaction of creating something for those you love. There will be one category for children and one for adults with judging by those attending.

Babyland General Hospital is only an hour’s drive from Atlanta and is located in N.E. Ga. at 300 NOK Dr. in Cleveland. For information, call 1-800-392-8279 or visit www.whitecountychamber.org.

March 17 – FITZGERALD – Wild Chicken Festival, Downtown. 800-386-4642.

17 – HAMPTON – Yellow Pollen Street Festival, Downtown. 770-897-0520.

17 – KINGSLAND – Car, Truck, Motorcycle, Tractor Show, Downtown. 912-729-5613.

17 – SAVANNAH – 188th St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 10:15am. 912-233-8404.

17 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND/SEA ISLAND – Christ Church Tour of Homes & Gdns. 912-222-5686.

17-18 – DUBLIN – St. Patrick’s Festival, Downtown. 478-272-5766.

17-18 – COLUMBUS – Thunder in the Valley Air Show, Airport. 706-393-3000.

17-18 – LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN – Shamrock City, Rock City Gardens. 706-820-2531.

17-18 – MOULTRIE – Calico Spring Arts & Crafts Show, Spence Field. 229-985-1968.

17-18 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Invitational Arts & Crafts Show, Pier Village. 912-262-0628.

18 – COLUMBUS – Ultimate Bridal Expo, River Mill Center. 706-576-6252.

18 – WOODBINE – Jazz’n Arts on the Satilla Riverwalk. 912-576-1162.

19-Apr. 18 – SAVANNAH – Spring Steam Days, Roundhouse Museum. 912-651-6840.

20 – BRUNSWICK – Christ Church 57th Annual Tour of Homes. 912-265-0620.

22-Apr. 19 – SAVANNAH – Music Festival, Downtown. 912-234-3378.

23-25 – LESLIE – Antique Dogwood Festival, Downtown. 229-928-6059.

24 – ADEL – Spring Celebration, Reed Bingham State Park, 12-3pm. 229-896-3551.

24 – APPLING – Cavestone Pottery Making, Mistletoe State Park, 10am. 706-541-0321.

24 – DARIEN – Scottish Heritage Day Encampment, Ft. King George. 912-437-4770.

24 – OGLETHORPE – Turkey Day Festival.

478-472-2391.

24 – SHELLMAN BLUFF – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. 912-437-6671.

24-25 – ASHBURN – Fire Ant Festival, Downtown. 229-567-9696.

24-25 – CONYERS – 31st Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, Ga. Int’l Horse Park. 770-602-2606.

30 – BRUNSWICK – Highwaymen: Tribute to Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Historic Ritz Theatre. 912-262-6934.

30-31 – WASHINGTON – WashingtonWilkes Spring Tour of Homes. 706-678-2013.

30-Apr. 1 – WINDER – Colonial Market Faire, Fort Yargo State Park. 770-867-3489.

31 – BAINBRIDGE – Lake Seminole Festival, Spring Creek Park Resort. 229-254-0152.

31 – BLAKELY – Peanut Proud Festival. 229723-2802.

31 – CLEVELAND – Magical Easter Eggstravaganza, Babyland General. 800-392-8279.

31 – DAHLONEGA – Yahoola Spring Powwow, Findley Ride. 706-864-3513.

31 – OMAHA – Festival By the Lake, Florence Marina State Park. 229-838-4706.

See LIVE WILD HOGS Taken from the swamps of the OCMULGEE RIVER at the Saturday 21st

MAY 12

Annual

The Wild Hog Capital of Georgia - ABBEVILLE Admission $2 • LIONS PARK • I-75 Exit 101 30 miles East of Cordele on Hwy. 280 www.hogfestival.com

March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival Near Warner Robins The Semi-Annual Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival between Warner Robins and Perry on April 21-22 will welcome visitors with whiffs of barbecue and other delicious foods, sounds of fiddles, and original and creative arts and crafts in and amongst the old homestead buildings and throughout the terraced woods. The amphitheater in Dogwood Hollow will feature bluegrass bands, gospel quartets, and dance teams.

Over 40 old-timers will resurrect pioneer ways: dipping candles, carving decoys and knobbits, building fishing rods, weaving chairseats with cornshucks, making baskets, building dulcimers and brooms, tatting, cutting silhouettes, tinsmithing, and more. Children’s activities will include storytelling, farm animals, hayrides, horseback rides, and a magician-ventriloquist.

The semi-annual festival is always the third weekend in April (unless Easter falls then) and the third weekend in October. Festival hours will be 10am-5pm. Admission will be $5/adults and $1/children; parking will be free. No pets allowed. Located six miles from I-75 off Exit 144 to Lake Joy Road. For more information, phone 478-922-8265 or 888-288-wrga or visit www.mossycreekfestival.com or www.warnerrobinsga.gov.

Georgia JugFest in Knoxville Middle Georgia will celebrate its folk pottery traditions May 17-19 in Knoxville, Crawford County, at the combined Georgia JugFest and Old Knoxville Days.

For more than 100 years pottery was a big part of the area’s economy. Now it is a collectible craft, folk art, and history. A three day antique and vintage pottery exhibit will open May 17, and the community wood-fired kiln will be fired up around noon on May 16 with the sale of the fired pottery on Saturday morning, May 19. Pottery artists included in the kiln firing will be Shelby West, Charlie West, John Cofer, Ronnie Payne, Lily West and Lyla West.

Friday events will include a pottery Lunch and Learn focusing on pottery from Crawford County and Middle Georgia (reservations needed); a pottery ID with regional experts ($2 per item); a quilting display from 5-7pm; and the Peaches, Peanuts, and Beef amateur cook-off.

The main event on May 19 will feature the pottery exhibit, handcraft vendors, quilting display, benefit pottery auction, kiln sale, antique tractor show, lawn mower races, historic skills demonstrations, Children’s Funfest, student art exhibit, historic building tours, and live entertainment by local talent. Parking will be free. Visit www.georgiajugfestival.com or call 478-836-3825.

March 31 – SAUTEE – Fashion Show/Luncheon, Nacoochee Valley Guest House, 12pm. 706-892-1033.

31 – TIFTON – Arts in Black Festival, Fulwood Park. 229-556-7408.

31-Apr. 1 – PERRY – Home & Garden Show, Georgia National Fairgrounds. 478-988-8344.

April 5-7 – ST. GEORGE – Cherokee of Georgia Council Spring Pow Wow. 904-669-6416.

6-7 – WAYCROSS – Swampfest. 912-283-2112.

7 – ATHENS – International Streetfest, Downtown. 800-653-0603.

7 – BOSTON – Spring Fling, Auction, & Cook-Off. 229-224-6201.

7 – CUMMING – Taste of Forsyth, Fairgrounds, 11am-6pm. 770-781-3491.

7 – JONESBORO – Taste of Clayton, Downtown. 800-662-7829.

7 – METTER – Another Bloomin’ Festival.

912-685-2159.

7-8 – THOMASTON – Smoke on the Water BBQ/Bluegrass Fest, Bickley’s Lake. 706-647-9686.

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8 – WARM SPRINGS – Easter Egg Hunt/Roll, FDR’s Little White House, 10am. 706-655-5870.

12 – WARM SPRINGS – 67th Commemorative, FDR’s Little White House, 11am. 706-655-5870.

13-14 – BAXLEY – Baxley Tree Fest, Downtown. 912-367-7731.

13-14 – MOUNTAIN CITY – Foxfire Living History Days, Foxfire Museum. 706-782-4812.

13-15 – ALBANY – Native American Cultural Festival, Chehaw. 229-430-5275.

14 – CARTERSVILLE – Etowah Mounds by Torchlight/Native Tools,Weapons. 770-387-3747.

14 – FOLKSTON – Annual Rail Watch Day, Downtown. 912-496-2536.

14 – PLAINS – Classic Car Show. 229-824-5373.

14 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Art & Sol Art Festival, Pier Village. 912-638-8770.

14 – TALLAPOOSA – Dogwood Arts & Crafts Fair, Downtown. 770-630-8946.

14 – TIFTON – Folk Life Festival, Fiddlers Jamboree, & Quilt Show, Agrirama. 229-391-5200.

14 – WARWICK – National Grits Festival, Town Square. 229-869-5550.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival will celebrate 31 years of fun, family, and tradition at the Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP) on March 24-25 from 10am5pm. This contemporary art festival will feature 300 art and craft booths; a variety of food booths; a large, interactive children’s area with over 30,000 square feet of rides, games, and activities; and multiple stages with enter tainment by diverse cultures, local bands, karate demonstrations, and clogging groups. Cultural performances will include Matsuri Daiko USA presenting the Japanese art form of drum dancing and Senseio Bu Kai featuring traditional Japanese dance.

Join the festival’s “Pink Out” by wearing pink and green. Secret judges will be looking for the best-dressed individuals and best-decorated strollers and wagons; prizes will be awarded. Also, join the GIHP Facebook page to win “blossom bucks” to spend during the event.

Get your pink on all month with the Miss Conyers Cherry Blossom Scholarship Pageant, the Walk with Angels (8M), and the Cherry Blossom Croquet and Golf Tournaments.

Festival admission will be free with a $5 parking fee per vehicle. For information, phone 770602-2606 or 1-800-CONYERS or visit www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com.

April 14-15 – BOWMAN – Big Iron Crank-Up Festival, Bowman Park. 706-245-5432.

14-15 – COLUMBUS – RiverBlast! at Port Columbus Civil War Naval Museum. 706-327-9798.

14-15 – DAHLONEGA – Bear on the Square Festival, Downtown. 706-864-3711.

14-15 – DAWSONVILLE – Spring Wildflower Festival, Amicalola St. Pk. 706-265-6278.

14-15 – PERRY – Dogwood Festival. 478987-1234.

14-15 – WARM SPRINGS – FDR Days & Spring Fling, Downtown. 800-337-1927.

14-22 – MACON – Fired Works: Regional Ceramics Exhibit/Sale. 478-743-6940.

17 – GRIFFIN – Bill Dean Concert, Auditorium. 770-228-3229.

18-22 – EATONTON – Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage. 706-485-7701.

19 – ALBANY – Bid for Bachelor/Bachelorettes; Music/Food. Stonebridge Club. 229-317-6558.

19 – FITZGERALD – Third Thursday/Jonni Snyder, Carnegie Center. 229-426-5035.

1-9, 2012

For more information on the 2012 Festival visit www.worldslargestpeachcobbler.com or phone 478-420-0072 March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Southland Jubilee in Greensboro Celebrate Greene County’s rich and varied cultural history at the 14th annual Southland Jubilee on Saturday, April 21, from 9am to 5pm in downtown Greensboro. Admission will be free.

Southland Jubilee will have something for everyone: continuous live entertainment, juried arts and crafts vendors, heritage crafters and demonstrations, antique tractors, living history interpreters, a children’s activity area, agricultural exhibits, a classic car show, and festival foods. Last year’s event drew a crowd of people from across Georgia and the Southeast.

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

Spring Fling Indoor Yard Sale & More in Douglas The “Spring Fling” Gigantic Indoor Yard Sale in Douglas will be held on Saturday, April 21 at Central Square Complex.

This indoor yard sale is one of the biggest of its kind in Southeast Georgia and will offer items varying from yard sale to leather goods to jewelry to cosmetics to books and even home décor. All of the bargains will be under one roof. Both exhibit halls at Central Square Complex will be utilized by approximately 100 vendors who have a desire to turn their used, unwanted home and miscellaneous items into cash.

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!” stated the show’s director. So find your treasure in Douglas during the Spring Fling event.

This event will take place rain or shine. The Spring Fling Indoor Yard Sale & More will open to the public on Saturday, April 7, from 7am-3pm. Admission will be $1.00. Central Square Complex is located at 200 South Madison Avenue in Douglas. For more details, call 912-3830277, visit www.cityofdouglas. com, or email bthomas@cityofdouglas.com.

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GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

Georgia Peach Festival in Fort Valley & Byron The 26th annual Georgia Peach Festival will get underway Friday, June 1, in Byron and come to a close Saturday, June 9, in Fort Valley. The first official event of the festival will be the Historical Society Luncheon at the Byron United Methodist Church Friday, June 1, at noon. The festival will continue Saturday in Byron with an evening concert, kids activities, and fireworks at North Peach Park.

The festival will move to Fort Valley Tuesday, June 5, with Spaghetti and Jazz at the Austin Theater from 5:30-8pm and Khoury’s Walk for Health in the Historic District Wednesday at 7am.

Saturday, June 9, “The Big Day” will feature the Kiwanis Club pancake breakfast, the Peach Parade through downtown at 10am, the Historical Society Luncheon at McArthur Saxson House, arts and crafts, music, food, kids’ activities, water slides, inflatable play, free tours of Lane Southern Orchards, the World’s Largest Peach Cobbler served at 2pm at the Courthouse, a free concert at 8pm, and a fireworks finale.

For more information, visit www.worldslargestpeachcobbler.com or call 478-420-0072.

April 19 – NEWNAN – Taste of Newnan, Square, 5-8pm. 770-254-2627.

19-22 – ANDERSONVILLE – S.E. Electric Flight Festival. 229-924-9505.

19-22 – VIDALIA – Vidalia Onion Festival.

912-538-8687.

20-21 – HELEN – Corvair Club, Helen Festhalle. 706-878-1908.

20-21 – SAVANNAH – NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens. 912-961-4805.

20-21 – TIFTON – Going Hog Wild Car & Truck Show, Conference Ctr. 229-386-3416.

20-22 – DARIEN – Blessing of the Fleet Festival, Downtown. 912-437-2683.

21 – BLUE RIDGE – Taste of Blue Ridge. 706632-5224.

21 – COLQUITT – Mayhaw Festival. 229758-2400.

21 – CONYERS – Taste of Conyers and Car Show. 770-602-2606.

21 – DOUGLAS – Spring Fling Gigantic Indoor Yard Sale, Central Sq. Complex, 7am-3pm. 912-383-0277.

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

21 – HARTWELL – Antique Boat Festival, Hartwell Marina. 706-376-5441.

21 – JASPER – Artfest, Dntwn. 706-692-1164.

21 – RICEBORO – Gathering at Geechee Kunda. 912-884-4440.

21 – SAUTEE – Taste of Sautee, Sautee Village. 706-878-0144.

21 – ST. MARYS – Willie Mae Glover Praise in the Park Celebration, Downtown. 800-433-0225.

21-22 – ADAIRSVILLE – Antiques & Arts.

800-733-2280.

21-22 – CARTERSVILLE – Homestead Springtime, Red Top Mt. St. Pk. Allatoona Pass 150th Anniversary of Great Locomotive Chase. 770-975-4226.

21-22 – DAHLONEGA – Bear on the Square Mountain Festival. 706-864-3513.

21-22 – HAWKINSVILLE – Harness Festival, Bennett Harness Training Center. 478-783-1717.

21-22 – JASPER – ArtFest. 706-692-1164.

21-22 – WARNER ROBINS – Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival. 888-288-9742 or 478-922-8265.

21-22 – WASHINGTON – Spring Music Festival, Downtown. 706-318-8190.

21-22 – WATKINSVILLE – Southworks Artist Market, OCAF. 706-769-4565.

22 – KINGSTON – 148th Confederate Memorial Day Service, Baptist Church. 770-382-1747.

23 – FITZGERALD – Confederate Memorial Day, Jeff Davis State Park. 229-769-4565.

26-28 – THOMASVILLE – Rose Show & Festival, Downtown. 229-228-7977.

26-28 – LUMPKIKN – Westville’s Spring Days Festival. 888-733-1850.

44th

Annual FridaySunday

HISTORIC DARIEN April 20-22

Marine Parade • Classic Car Show Art In The Park • Street Parade Arts & Crafts • Music • Food View Event Schedule & Times at: www.blessingofthefleet.com

March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Daylily Festival in Gray The Gray Station Better Hometown 9th Annual Daylily Festival will be held June 1-2 in the Pecan Orchard at Gray Elementary School, 273 Railroad St. The festival on Friday from 6-9pm will feature a 5K road race, 1M fun run, live entertainment, food, and more.

Saturday events from 9am-5pm will include over 100 arts and crafts vendors, continuous live entertainment, food, horseshoe tournament, children’s activities, pony rides, Teddy Bear walk for children at 11am, and plenty of daylilies. An open car/truck/motorcycle show will be conducted by the Jones County Cruisers and a golf tournament co-sponsored with the Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce (478-986-1123). Vendor applications are on the website.

The Master Gardeners and Garden Clubs have planted daylilies at the schools and other places in the city and county including the library and the railroad track in honor of the City of Gray being named the Daylily Capitol of Georgia. There will be daylilies to admire and purchase at the festival and a Daylily Flower Show on Saturday in the Gray Elementary gym.

Admission will be $1 for all persons over 6 years old. For more information, e-mail gsbht@windstream.net, phone 478-986-5199, or visit www.gsbht.com.

28 – AUGUSTA – Augusta Symphony April Orchestra, 1st Baptist. 706-826-4705.

26-29 – CARTERSVILLE – N. Ga. Flintknap28 – CARTERSVILLE – Civil War Comes pers/Primitive Arts Festival. 770-304-8760.

Alive, Booth Museum. 770-387-1300.

27-28 – CALHOUN – BBQ, Boogie, & Blues.

28 – CONYERS – Elks Aidmore Music 800-877-3811.

Festival, Georgia Int’l. Horse Pk. 888-860-4224.

27-28 – MACON – Pan African Festival, 28 – FITZGERALD – Big Bart Concert & Silent Downtown. 478-743-8544.

Movie Zorro, Grand Theatre, 7pm. 229-426-5033.

27-28 – REYNOLDS – Georgia Strawberry 28 – GAINESVILLE – Spring Chicken Festival, Festival, Downtown. 478-847-5301.

Downtown. 770-531-1102.

27-28 – WOODBINE – Crawfish Festival, 28 – GROVETOWN – Heritage Festival. 706Downtown. 912-576-3211.

863-4576.

27-29 – SAVANNAH – Fine Arts on the 28 – HELEN – Wurstfest. 706-878-1908.

River Festival: Mercer on the River. 912-234-0295.

28 – LOCUST GROVE – L.G. Day. 770-957-5043.

28 – MADISON – Madison Fest, Dntn. 800709-7406. EquiFest, Morgan Ag-Ctr. 800-709-7406.

28 – McDONOUGH – Classic & Open Car Show. 770-898-0311.

28 – MORELAND – Heritage Day. 770-2542627.

28 – PORT WENTWORTH – Stand Up for America Day, Cantyre Grounds. 912-966-7428.

28 – ROME – Rome Symphony Orchestra, 7:30pm. 706-291-7967.

28 – THOMSON – Car Show at the Depot.

706-597-1000.

28-29 – CLAYTON – Celebrate Clayton, Downtown. 706-212-0241.

28-29 – GRIFFIN – Mayfling Arts & Crafts Festival, City Park. 770-228-8200.

Experience 28-29 – PEACHTREE CITY – WWII Heritage Days, Falcon Field Airport. 678-216-0282.

An Ocean 28-29 – WARNER ROBINS – Robins AFB of Pink Air Show. 478-929-1111.

30 – GRAY – Music Under Stars/Matt Pippin, and White Fairgrounds, 7pm. 478-986-5199.

Blossoms 30-May 8 – MACON – Georgia State Fair, Central City Park. 478-746-7184. through March

Take the Road Less Traveled!

Georgia’s Peach Blossom Trail

and Fresh Peaches May through August 888-288-9742

www.peachblossomtrail.com 26

May 3 – GRIFFIN – Earth Songs, First UMC, 7:30pm. 770-468-3072.

3-6 – HELEN – Georgia Mountain Birdfest, Unicoi State Park. 800-573-9659.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

1st Annual “BBQ, Boogie, & Blues” in Calhoun Mohawk will present the 1st Annual “BBQ, Boogie, & Blues” in Calhoun April 27-28. The Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) has sanctioned this event, and Governor Nathan Deal has declared it a state barbecue competition. The event will be held over a two day period and will replace the annual “More than a Taste of Calhoun.”

On Friday evening, April 27, beginning at 6:30pm, as the contestants are preparing their barbecue, there will be other events including a street dance with live entertainment on Court Street, a fashion runway event to benefit the American Cancer Society, and food and drink vendors set up downtown until 10:30pm. On Saturday, April 28, at 8:30am, a bicycle ride to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association will originate at the Depot.

Throughout the day, there will be arts and craft vendors, continuous live music, kid zones, an amazing race, and the results of the KCBS and Backyard BBQ contests.

For information, visit www.ExploreGordonCounty.com or phone 800-887-3811 or e-mail sueellen@gordonchamber.org.

May 3-7 – SAVANNAH – Tall Ships Challenge, River Street. 877-savannah.

4-5 – MADISON – Madison in May Spring Tour of Homes. 706-342-4743.

4-6 – AUGUSTA – Sound of Music, Augusta Players, 706-826-4704.

4-6 – BLUE RIDGE – Plein Aire Event, Art Center. 800-899-6867.

4-6 – GRIFFIN – Griffin Ballet’s Little Mermaid, Auditorium. 770-228-1306.

5 – BYRON – Ballet of Byron, North Peach Recreation Park. 478-954-4592.

5 – CONYERS – Fashion Show/Luncheon, Presbyterian Church, 11:30am. 770-602-2606. Derby Day, Ga. Int’l. Horse Pk., 2pm. 404-350-7778.

5 – DEERING – Mayfest Arts & Crafts Festival. 706-597-1000.

5 – SAVANNAH – Scottish Games, Bethesda Home. 912-233-6017.

5 – SUMMERVILLE – Finster Fest, Dowdy Park, Downtown. 423-619-8154.

WAR DAYS

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

5 – WARM SPRINGS – Happy Birthday FDR’s Little White House (80 years). 706-655-5870.

5-6 – CLINTON – War Days in Old Clinton (Near Gray, GA) 478-986-6383 or 478-986-1123.

5-6 – DAWSONVILLE – Spring Fling Festival, Middle School/Bowen Arts Ctr. 706-265-6278.

5-6 – GAY – Cotton Pickin’ Fair. 800-5386814. Shady Days in Gay. 706-977-8548.

12 – ABBEVILLE – Ocmulgee Wild Hog Festival. 229-467-2144 or 229-467-2107.

12 – ALBANY – Albany Symphony, Municipal Auditorium, 7:30pm. 229-430-8933.

12 – CALHOUN – 50th Anniversary of New Echota Historic Site. 706-624-1321.

12 – PAVO – Peacock Day Fest. 229-224-1758.

13 – BRUNSWICK – Our Lady of Fatima Processional/Blessing of Fleet. 912-265-4032.

17-19 – KNOXVILLE – Georgia Jugfest. 478836-3825.

18 – CONYERS – Covington-Conyers Choral Guild Concert, Rockdale Aud., 8pm. 770-761-0474.

53rd Annual

Putnam County Dairy Festival Sat.

RE-ENACTMENT and ENCAMPMENT May 5 & 6 • Old Clinton Arts & Crafts of the Era Suttler’s Row • Demonstrations • Food Self-Guided Tours Available • Guided Tours By Appointment Old Clinton is located 12 miles N.E. of Macon and 11/2 miles S.W. of Gray, just off Hwy. 129

478-986-6383

June 2

2012

Road Races • Parade Arts & Crafts Fair Speakers • BBQ Entertainment • Food Free Ice Cream & Milk Rides & Games

EATONTON, GA Sponsored by the Pilot Club of Eatonton, GA, Inc.

www.pceatonton.org/dairy or e-mail glendar@pceatonton.org

March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

27

Sea Island -St. Simons Island Tour of Homes The 59th annual tour of Sea Island and St. Simons Island homes and gardens will be held Saturday, March 17. Visitors can view stylish interiors and diverse architectural elements of private homes between 10am-5pm. Also on the tour will be the Wesley Memorial Gardens and Musgrove Plantation with its beautiful art collection and archaeological treasures. The Episcopal Churchwomen of Christ Church, Frederica sponsor this yearly spring event, which is the major fundraising drive for the year and benefits area charities for women and children in need.

Tour headquarters will be at the Parish House, adjacent to Christ Church, Frederica on St. Simons Island where visitors will enjoy beautiful music while sampling tea sandwiches, cookies, and refreshments. The Christ Church Cookbook will be available for sale on tour day at the church and at the transportation hub on Gascoigne Bluff. This collection of recipes compiled by the Churchwomen of Christ Church, Frederica includes a history of the church and beautiful color photographs of the intricate stained glass windows in the historic church.

Advance tour tickets purchased online or at local outlets are $40; tickets purchased on the day of the tour will be $45. For information, visit www.christchurchtourofhomes.org or call 912-222-5686.

May 18 – TYBEE ISLAND – Beach Bum Parade.

912-786-5444.

18-19 – HELEN – VW Audi Show, Helendorf River Inn. 706-878-2271.

19 – McDONOUGH – Geranium Festival, Downtown.770-898-3196.

19 – THOMSON – Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival. 706-597-1000.

19-20 – BALL GROUND – Heritage Days Festival, Downtown. 678-315-4411.

19-20 – CALHOUN – Battle of Resaca Reenactment. 800-887-3811.

19-20 – DAHLONEGA – Mountain Flower Fine Art Festival. 706-864-3513.

20 – CALHOUN – Concert in Park/American Flyers, Downtown. 800-887-3811.

20 – COLUMBUS – Arts in the Park, Lakebottom Park. 706-327-9533.

26-27 – BLUE RIDGE – Arts in the Park Festival. 706-632-5680.

29 – ST. SIMONS – Phil Morrison Trio/ Michael Hulett, Lighthouse, 7pm. 912-262-6934.

31-June 2 – HELEN – Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race. 706-878-2271.

June 1-2 – BYRON – Georgia Peach Festival. 478420-0072.

1-2 – GRAY – Gray Station Better Hometown Daylily Festival. 478-986-5199.

2 – EATONTON – Putnam County Dairy Festival, downtown. 706-473-0336.

5 – FORT VALLEY – Spaghetti & Jazz, Austin Theater, 5:30-8pm. 478-420-0072.

5-9 – FORT VALLEY – Georgia Peach Festival.

478-420-0072.

9-10 – BLAIRSVILLE – Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Meeks Park. 877-745-5789.

Georgia JugFest May 19 Knoxville, Crawford County Pottery Exhibit •Sales •Auction Handcraft Sales •Demonstrations Antique Tractors •Lawn Mower Races Early Events May 17 & 18

for the love of mud . . . www.gajugfest.com •478-836-3825 20 miles west of Macon 28

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

Garden and Nature Events Tour of Hidden Gardens in Savannah Spring will put on its best show during the 37th Annual NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens which will be held in Savannah on April 20-21. Discover the secrets of ten private gardens located underneath a majestic canopy of centuries old oak trees.

The gardens are selected each year for excellence of design, historical interest, architectural features, and overall beauty. The gates will be opened daily from 10am-4pm during this highly anticipated tour.

A trip to Savannah must include a visit to one of the many historical mansions on her fabled squares.

Accordingly, the parlors of the historic Green Meldrim House will become the venue for a Southern Tea. During the hours between 2 and 4pm, tour participants may enjoy the garden, relax on the porches, and absorb the beauty of the home’s Gothic Revival architecture. Refreshing iced tea, delicious savories, and entertainment will be provided.

For information, phone 912-961-4805 or visit www.gardenclubofsavannah.org.

Throughout Spring Mar. 1-Apr. 30 – Atlanta Blooms & Garden Gate Exhibit, Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Mar. 10, 24, Apr. 7,21, May 5,19 – Wildlife Shows, Fort Yargo St. Pk., Winder. 678-963-8891 Mar. 8-9, Apr. 6-7, May 4-5 – Full Moon Hike, Tallulah Gorge State Park. 706-754-7981.

Mar. 17,18, Apr. 8,14,15 – Beekeeping, State Botanical Garden.

Mar. 27, Apr. 7 – Spring Wildflowers, State Botanical Garden.

March 3-4 – Orchid Market, Atlanta Bot. Garden.

3-4 – Home & Garden Show, Trade Center, Columbus. 706-576-6252.

9-11 – Orchid Show, Atlanta Bot. Garden.

10 – Ashantilly Center Scottish Heritage Days.

17 – Christ Church Tour of Homes & Gardens, St. Simons & Sea Island. 912-222-5686.

17 – Georgia Daffodil Society Blooms, Chattahoochee Nature Center.

17 – Old-Timey Plant Sale, Birdsong Nature Center, 9am-1pm.

17 – Lake Oconee Builders Assn. Home & Garden Show, Greensboro. 706-999-1591.

22-25 – Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens. 877-728-2622.

23-24 – 91st Annual Standard Flower Show, Thomasville. 866-577-3600.

24 – Spring Garden Festival, Bamboo Master Gardeners of Central Georgia UGA C OOPERATIVE E XTENSION

SPRING

Coastal Gardens.

31 – Ashantilly Center Silent Auction & Dinner in the Gardens.

31-Apr. 1 – Perry Home & Garden Show, Georgia National Fairgrounds. 478-988-8344.

April 1-15 – Azalea Days at Callaway Gardens.

7 – Heirloom Seed Swap, State Bot. Garden.

7 – Bluebirds & Bluegrass Festival, Dauset Trails Nature Center, Jackson. 770-775-6798.

13 – Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Callaway Gardens Beach.

13-14 – Plant Sale, Chatt. Nature Center.

14 – Plant Sale, State Botanical Garden.

14-15 – Chattahoochee Herb Society Sale, Atlanta Botanical Garden.

20-21 – Savannah NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens. 912-961-4805.

21 – Piedmont Gardeners’ Garden Tour, Athens. 706-548-5760.

27-28 – Savannah Garden Expo, Roundhouse Railroad Museum. 912-236-4795.

27-29 – Sacred Heart Cultural Center Garden Festival, Augusta. 706-826-4700.

28 – A Garden Faire at Bulloch Hall, Roswell.

7700-992-1731.

28 – Roaming Through Rome’s Gardens.

800-234-3154.

28 – Blairsville Garden Club Plant Sale, Farmers Market. 877-745-5789.

MARCH 31 Sat., 9-6

APRIL 1 Sun., 10-5

Home & Garden Ask the Master Gardener • Georgia Artist Butler Brown Plants • Garden Accessories • Home Décor • Children’s Activities

SHOW

Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter • Perr y I-75 @ Exit 135 • 478-988-8344 • www.mgcg.org March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 29

Garden and Nature Events Spring Home and Garden Show in Perry Join the Master Gardeners of Central Georgia at their annual Spring Home and Garden Show on Saturday, March 31, and Sunday, April 1, at the Georgia National Fairground & Agricenter in Perry. The show will feature home landscape and gardening demonstrations; “Ask the Master Gardener” staffed by knowledgeable Master Gardener Extension volunteers; S.E. vendors offering a wide variety of plants, garden accessories, home and garden services, and home décor items; an art show and sale by Georgia artist Butler Brown; and free supervised educational activities for children while parents shop.

Show hours will be Saturday, March 31, from 9am6pm and Sunday, April 1, from 10am-5pm. Admission will be $5 with children under 12 free. For information, visit www.mgcg.org or call 478-988-8344.

From I-75 take Exit 135 East; parking will be free and near the entrance to the McGill Building.

The Spring Home & Garden Show is sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Central GA and the UGA Cooperative Extension. Proceeds help fund Jr. Master Gardener programs in public schools, educational programs for home owners, community projects in Middle GA, and the Macon Museum of Arts & Sciences Native Plant Garden.

May 3-31 – Tea in the Garden at Davenport House, Savannah, Thurs. & Fri. 912-236-8097.

4-6 – Savannah Rose Festival, Botanical Garden. 912-355-3883.

5 – Gemstones/Pearls Jewelry Design, Callaway Gardens.

5-6 – Wings of Flight, Amicalola Falls State Park, Dawsonville. 706-265-1969.

12 – Wetland Plants, State Botanical Garden.

12 – Rockin’ at the River Benefit for Chattahoochee Nature Center.

12 – International Migratory Bird Day, Reed Bingham State Park, Adel. 229-896-3551.

19 – Spring Garden Gate Tour, Newnan.

770-254-2620.

22-25 – Plant Fair & Sale, Callaway Gardens.

Garden & Nature Centers in Georgia • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ashantilly Center, Darien . . . . . . . . . . . .912-437-4473 Atlanta Botanical Garden . . . . . . . . . . .404-876-5859 Bamboo/Coastal Gdns., Savannah . . .912-921-5460 Barrington Hall, Roswell . . . . . . . . . . . .770-640-3855 Birdsong Nature Ctr., Thomasville . . . .800-953-bird Callaway Gardens, Pine Mt. . . . . . . . . .800-Callaway Chattahoochee Nat. Ctr., Roswell . . . . .770-992-2055 Columbus Botanical Garden . . . . . . . .706-327-8400 Elachee Nature Center, Gainesville . . .770-535-1976 Flint RiverQuarium, Albany . . . . . . . . . .229-639-2650 GSU Botanical Gdn., Statesboro . . . . .912-871-1149 Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange . . . . . .706-882-3242 Massee Lane, Fort Valley . . . . . . . . . . . .478-967-2358 Oakland Island, Savannah . . . . . . . . . . .912-898-3980 Oxbow Meadows, Columbus . . . . . . . .706-687-4090 Smithgall Woods, Helen . . . . . . . . . . . . .706-878-3087 State Botanical Garden, Athens . . . . . .706-542-1244 Tybee Island Marine Center . . . . . . . . .912-786-5917

59TH ANNUAL CHRIST CHURCH

TOUR OF HOMES & GARDENS ST. SIMONS ISLAND * SEA ISLAND

M

SATURDAY, ARCH 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

17

Advance Tickets $40 Tour Day Tickets $45

For additional information call 912-222-5686 Purchase tickets online www.christchurchtourofhomes.org

30

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / March / April / May 2012

March / April / May 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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