AROUND LOWNDES

THE GREAT HAHIRA PICK-IN & BBQ COOK OFF

The Great Hahira Pick-In will feature five bluegrass bands performing throughout the day! New this year is a BBQ Cook-o Competition. Other food vendors will also be available.

WHEN: Sunday, March 11, 2023, 12pm - 10pm

WHERE: 220 West Main Street - Hahira

INFO: Concert Tickets: $20 – Adults $10 – Children (5 and under are free)

Follow Hahira Happenings on Facebook for updates.

7th ANNUAL SOUTH GEORGIA FILM FESTIVAL

The 2023 South Georgia Film Festival celebrates the art and industry of film across the region. Three days filled with films and panels showcase the creative spirit in Valdosta.

WHEN: March 3,4, & 5, 2023

WHERE: 220 West Main Street - Hahira

INFO: www.southgeorgiafilm.com

23rd Annual Azalea Festival

This two-day event is a regional festival with over 200 arts & crafts vendors from several di erent states, a huge food court, six stage areas of entertainment, a Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, a newly expanded KidZone, the World Famous Disc-Connected K9's Frisbee Show, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show (sponsored by The Langdale Company), the Falconry Forever/Birds of Prey Exhibits and Demonstrations, entertainment by Wild Adventures Theme Park, two great bands, the VLPRA Azalea 5K race, and a whole lot more.

WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, March 11 & 12, 2023

WHERE: Drexel Park - 1401 North Patterson

(Across from the VSU Main Campus)

INFO: www.azaleafestival.com

DID YOU KNOW?

The city of Valdosta is often called the Azalea City. Many azalea bushes are concentrated in Drexel park, which is named after Richard J. Drexel. Mr. Drexel, a native of Indiana, went to work for the city of Valdosta as, according to the Valdosta Daily Times, “the city parks everything – laborer, foreman, designer and supervisor.” In 1925, he began planting azaleas on public property and private land throughout the city. He planted hundreds, expanding to the college campus, Sunset Hill cemetery, and along Patterson Street.

Source: Lowndes County Historical Society Museum

Girls On The Run Spring 5k

Anyone who has been to a Girls on the Run 5K knows that it is unlike any other running event. It is a celebration of and for the girls who are completing the 10-week curriculum of Girls on the Run. Positive energy abounds as the girls dance to warm-up music, get their hair "happier" and gather with teammates, friends and family to start the run. Our 5K is a non-competitive event that will bring a smile to your face.

WHEN: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 8am (Festival at 7am)

WHERE: Wiregrass Georgia Technical College - Valdosta

INFO: www.girlsontherunsouthgeorgia.org/5k

Valdosta Junior Service League Spring Social Auction

This year on March 25, the VJSL will hold its annual Spring Social Auction at the Valdosta Country Club. Tickets are $100 each. This includes dinner for 2, 2 tickets for the auction, and live music preformed by Blues Factor Band.

WHEN: Saturday, March 25, 2023, 7pm

WHERE: Valdosta Country Club - Valdosta

TICKETS: www.VJSLspringsocial.rsvpify.com

A Night At The Yellowstone Auction

Get your tickets now for the 50th Annual Valwood Spring Auction. There will be live music from the Kinchafoonee Cowboys, unique live and silent auction items, great food and more. You will not want to miss this fantastic event.

WHEN: Friday, March 10, 2023, 6:30pm

WHERE: Valdosta Country Club - Valdosta

INFO: www.valwood.org/vpa-spring-auction/

11TH ANNUAL “TOSSED & FOUND” THRIFT SALE

Mark your calendars for the VJSL's annual thrift sale for lots of amazing finds at Mathis Auditorium! Proceeds from Tossed & Found support the Valdosta Junior Service League’s community impact e orts.

WHEN: Saturday, March 4, 2023, 7am - 12pm

WHERE: Mathis Auditorium - Valdosta

INFO: www.vjsl.org

Lauren Pope and Kara Hope Hanson

SEEN outh Georgia Medical Center partnered with the ValdostaLowndes Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Power for a Women of the Chamber lunch on National Go Red for Women Day. This initiative serves to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of women, causing one6 in three deaths each year. SGMC Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Luke Seibolt shared insights specific to heart health and women in our region. Fortunately, most cardiovascular disease can still be prevented with education and healthy lifestyle changes. To learn more, visit sgmc.org.

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