Local area events for this year
WAYS TO ENJOY SUMTER COUNTY THIS SPRING & SUMMER:
Americus
- Stop by the Visitor Center for a copy of the Historic Homes Driving Tour
- Order take-out from any of our local restaurants and have a picnic at Rees Park
- Explore two historic cemeteries
- Visit the place where Charles Lindbergh took his first solo flight
- Play disc or footgolf at Americus KOA
- Take a self-guided walking tour of the Historic Windsor Hotel or Rylander Theatre
- Shop Saturday morning at Lenny’s Market (Farmers Market)
Plains
- Pick up a homemade Peanut Butter Ice Cream cone from Bobby Salter’s Plain Peanuts
- Shop in the beautiful antique & boutique shops on Main Street
- Pick up take-out and have a picnic at the Plains Visitor Center
- Explore Jimmy Carter National Historical Park grounds
- Walk the streets where a former president lives!
Andersonville
- Explore Pioneer Farm and Drummer Boy Civil War Museum
- Grab take-out and head to Andersonville National Historic Site for a picnic
- Shop the local antique shops and grab some ice cream
- Visit the national cemetery and grounds of the former POW camp
Leslie/DeSoto/Cobb
- Explore the towns and stop by the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum
- Take the boat out to Lake Blackshear and relax on the water
- Take a drive down the winding roads through beautiful pecan orchards
- Head to SAM Shortline at Lake Blackshear and take a ride on the train!
APRIL 2024
18
Jason Crabb in Concert – Americus
7 PM
Get your tickets early for Christian music singer and musician Jason Crabb, live in concert at First Methodist Church of Americus. Special guest Mickey Bell also will appear. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $30 for Artist Circle (includes meet & greet with Jason). Tickets are available in the church office on South Lee Street or by going to www.fmcamericus.org/events.
For more information, call 229-924-3169.
20
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9 AM
Boarding begins at 9 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear for this fun Saturday trip with stops in Americus and Plains. The train departs at 9:30 a.m. and will have a flag stop only in Americus at 10:45 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a 1½-hour layover. The train arrives back in Americus at 1:15 p.m. for a 1-hour, 45-minute layover. Special abbreviated tours of the Windsor Hotel will be offered for train passengers only. The train arrives back at Georgia Veterans State Park at 4:15 p.m.
For tickets on this or all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or 877-427-2457 or visit www.samshortline.com.
20
‘Casino Night’ Spring Fundraiser – Americus
7 PM-10 PM
The Americus Junior Service League will present its spring fundraiser “Casino Night” on this Saturday beginning at 7 p.m. The three-hour event takes place at Wolf Creek Plantation. There will be food and a cash bar. Casino games include Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Texas Hold’em. Guests should wear cocktail attire. All proceeds will be used to give back to the community. You can scan tickets on the Americus Junior Service League’s Facebook page or by contacting Kelsey Skipper at kelseyskipper1996@gmail.com. Door prizes will be given.
20
Hands of a Warrior Challenge – Andersonville
8 AM-5 PM
Visit Turner Field in Andersonville for the Hands of a Warrior Challenge 2024. An obstacle course, mud run, axe throwing and food trucks will take place. The Warrior Challenge will be an adrenaline-pumping fundraising event like no other, where you can channel your inner warrior for a great cause. One hundred percent of all proceeds from the event benefit Called To Care Inc. to provide resources for victims of child maltreatment. Hands of a Warrior is a compassionate and dedicated fundraising group, founded by volunteers of the Sheppard-Pride Community Center. The goal is to organize events and initiatives to raise funds that will be used to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families.
For more information, call city clerk Teresa Owens at 229-924-2068.
21
100 Women of Gold – Plains
3 PM-6 PM
Elevate your spirits and ignite your passion at the second annual 100 Women of Gold event in Plains. The Sunday event, conducted by Wright Networking for Hometown Heroes, begins at 3 p.m. at the Plains Community Center in downtown Plains. Ticket prices are $25 per person and are on sale now. Limited seating is available.
For more information, go to WNFHH@hotmail.com or visit the Wright Networking for Hometown Heroes Facebook page.
27
Confederate Memorial Event – Americus
10:30 AM
The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 78 of Americus will host its annual Confederate Memorial Service at historic Oak Grove Cemetery in the Confederate plot. The Saturday event takes place at 10:30 a.m. and marks April as Confederate History & Heritage Month in Georgia. The guest speaker will be Daniel Bellware, co-author of “Genesis of the Memorial Day Holiday in America.” Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
For more information, visit the SCV Camp No. 78 Facebook page or email americusscvcamp@gmail.com.
28 – MAY 4
National Small Business Week – Americus
TIMES VARY
Shop in downtown Americus and support small businesses on this Sunday and all week through Saturday, May 4.
For more information on National Small Business Week, contact the Americus Main Street office at 229-924-4411, Ext. 247 or 235.
MAY 2024
3
First Friday Americus – ‘Multicultural May’
5 PM-8 PM
Visit downtown Americus beginning at 5 p.m. for First Friday. The theme for the month is “Multicultural May.” The Americus Visitor Center will be open to celebrate. Remember the free trolley rides aboard the Americus Trolley. Stops will be made across town at participating businesses.
For more information on this and all other First Fridays, call the Americus Main Street office at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247.
3
2024 Symposium & Native Plant Sale – Plains
8:30 AM-1 PM
The Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail’s annual Symposium & Native Plant Sale will take place in Plains on the first Friday of May. The spring symposium is entitled “A Tribute to Rosalynn Carter and her love of flowers and pollinators.” Symposium speakers will be Dr. Jaap de Roode of Emory University in Atlanta; Lauren Goble of Georgia Farm Bureau; Tom Johnson, vice president of the Azalea Society of America; and Amy Heidt of the Coastal Plain chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society. Symposium details and registration information are listed at www.rosalynncarterbutterflytrail.org. Seating will be limited in the Plains Community Center so guests should book early.
For other information, call 229-824-4567.
4
‘Prison to Peanuts’ bike ride – Countywide
7 AM
Join Sumter Cycling for this “Prison to Peanuts” bicycle ride on Saturday at 7 a.m. Riders should meet at Lenny’s Farmers Market on Hampton Street in downtown Americus.
For more information on this bicycle adventure, go to www.prisontopeanuts.com or contact John Morgan at RVRC or email sumtercycling2020@gmail.com.
4
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train for a trip to Plains on this Presidential Flyer. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear and departs at 10 a.m. with a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover before departing for Archery and the Carter Boyhood Farm. The train arrives at the Boyhood Farm at 11:55 a.m. for a 40-minute layover. The train arrives back at its originating point at 4:30 p.m.
For tickets on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or visit www.samshortline.com.
9-12
‘Love, Sex & The IRS’ – Rylander Theatre, Americus
7 PM, 2:30 PM
Sumter Players, Inc. will end its season with a laugh out loud wild farce with twists of fate, sight gags, and mistaken identities with this Thursday-Sunday performance. Sumter Players Inc. presents Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore’s “Love, Sex & The IRS” at the historic Rylander Theatre. Adult tickets are $17 and tickets for seniors and students are $12. The show is a hilarious cross between “I Love Lucy” and “Some Like it Hot!” Times are 7 p.m. nightly and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. For full details, call 229-931-0001 or 706-325-4604. You also can email sumterplayers@gmail.com or lauramcconatha@gmail.com or visit the Sumter Players Facebook page. You also can go to www.sumterplayers.org or write Sumter Players, Inc., P.O. Box 154, Americus, GA 31709.
11
Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale – Americus
10 AM-2 PM
Come to downtown Americus this Saturday and take advantage of special sales at several locations, a day ahead of Mother’s Day on May 12. The sale begins at 10 a.m. For details, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235, or visit www.downtownamericus.com.
11
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train for a trip to Plains on this Presidential Flyer. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear and departs at 10 a.m. with a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover before departing for Archery and the Carter Boyhood Farm. The train arrives at the Boyhood Farm at 11:55 a.m. for a 40-minute layover. The train arrives back at its originating point at 4:30 p.m.
For tickets on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or visit www.samshortline.com.
11
Colors of Wellness Women’s Retreat – Americus
10 AM-4 PM
Join in for a day of transformative healing, restoration and creativity as Robin Humphreys of Phoenix Heart Healing and Madison Hernandez Chandler bring this event on Mother’s Day weekend. The full-day women’s retreat is a beautiful combination of holistic wellness practices and creative activities to enliven your senses, support deep calm and relaxation and activate your creative expression. The event takes place at 111 Habitat St. in Americus on the second floor conference room of Phoenix Heart Healing.
For more information, call 229-938-3829.
17
Avenue of Flags – Andersonville
9 AM-4:30 PM
Andersonville National Historic Site will install its spectacular Avenue of Flags for the Memorial Day holiday and early summer. Flag placing is limited to 300 volunteers. Volunteers should sign up for all park events beforehand. Placement begins at 9 a.m. along National Cemetery Road and runs until 4:30 p.m. on this Friday.
For more information, call 229-924-0343 or 229-931-7222 or visithttps://www.nps.gov/ande/index.htm. For events in the Civil War Village of Andersonville, call Cynthia at the Andersonville Welcome Center at 229-924-2558 or visit https://www.andersonvillegeorgia.com.
18
Carter Presidential Auction – Plains
TBA
Save the date now for the annual Carter Presidential Auction in President Carter’s hometown of Plains. The event takes place on the third Saturday of the month. Please consider offering suggestions, donating auction items and being a financial sponsor.
For details, contact Kim C. Fuller at 229-928-4825 or email friendsofjimmycarter@outlook.com.
18
Lenny’s Market Kickoff – Americus
8 AM
Visit Lenny’s Market at 110 N. Hampton St. for the 2024 season kickoff. Vendors can contact Americus Main Street for more information at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247. The market is named for the late downtown business owner and City Council member Leonard J. Waitsman, who developed his vision of the Americus Farmers’ Market into a reality in the 1980s. It runs each Saturday through November, from 8 a.m. until noon.
For the best in farm fresh produce, visit Lenny’s all season long.
18, 25
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train for a trip to Plains on this Presidential Flyer. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear and departs at 10 a.m. with a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover before departing for Archery and the Carter Boyhood Farm. The train arrives at the Boyhood Farm at 11:55 a.m. for a 40-minute layover. The train arrives back at its originating point at 4:30 p.m.
For tickets on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or visit www.samshortline.com.
25-28
Memorial Day – Andersonville
9 AM – VARIOUS TIMES
Several events take place on the grounds of Andersonville National Historic Site to commemorate Memorial Day. On Saturday, May 25, flag placement takes place from 9 a.m. to noon with lunch provided by Dixie Crows. On Sunday, May 26 a Memorial Day ceremony will take place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. On May 27, a Knights of Columbus Mass takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and on May 28, a flag pick up in the National Cemetery begins at 9 a.m. and runs until noon.
For information on Memorial Day events in the Civil War Village of Andersonville, call Cynthia at 229-924-2558 or visithttps://www.andersonvillegeorgia.com/.
JUNE 2024
8
Paint the Town Blue Gala – Americus
6 PM
Don’t miss your chance to be part of history at the Smarr Smith Foundation’s seventh annual Paint the Town Blue Gala. The Saturday event takes place at the Storm Dome on the Georgia Southwestern State University campus. It is held in memory of Nick Smarr and Jody Smith, two local police officers who were killed in December 2016, and as a fundraiser for local law enforcement. Tables and tickets are selling fast and once they are gone, that’s it until 2025! Reserve your table at www.smarrsmithfoundation.com.
For more information, contact the Americus Police Department at 229-924-6450.
9
Downtown Beach Party – Americus
NOON-8 PM
Downtown Americus’ Rylander Park will be the site of one of the area’s most fun summertime events. The Downtown Beach Party will begin at noon and run until 8 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month. Enjoy the musical entertainment and have fun playing in the sand! The Food Truck Fest runs simultaneously.
For more information, call 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247 or visit www.downtownamericus.com.
9
Food Truck Fest – Americus
NOON- 8 PM
Whet your appetite for some great vittles at the Food Truck Fest, which coincides with the Downtown Beach Party on the second Sunday of the month. More than a dozen food trucks are expected and will be lined up across from Lenny’s Market.
For more information, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 247 or 235.
15,16
Juneteenth Day of Celebration – Americus
8 AM-5 PM
Code Black Atl, Sisters in Service and the Sumter County NAACP present Juneteenth 2024 on these two days. Come out and join in for a day of celebration. Both Saturday and Sunday hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event takes place at the Americus Train Depot, 329 S. Jackson St. There will be vendors, video gaming, musical entertainment, food trucks, a live band, and free watermelons.
For more information, call 229-389-8275 or 404-323-3314.
17-22
Missoula Children’s Theatre – Americus
TBA
Visit the historic Rylander Theatre on Lamar Street in downtown Americus for Missoula Children’s Theatre’s “Jack and the Beanstalk” on June 17-22. Kids ages 6-18 are invited to participate in this summertime event. Registration begins soon. Visit www.rylander.org for updates.
For details and other information, call the theater at 229-931-0001.
24-28
Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy – Americus
TBA
Visit downtown Americus and the historic Rylander Theatre for Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy, one of the theater’s most favorite events of the year. For kids ages 8-12, the entertaining summertime session runs June 24-28. Registration begins soon. Visit www.rylander.org for updates.
For all other details, call the Rylander at 229-931-0001.
29
Plains, Trains & Fireworks – Plains
6 PM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline at Lake Blackshear for a trip to Plains to view the best fireworks show in Sumter County! The spectacle begins at sundown, always on the Saturday before the Fourth of July. Get your tickets early as the train fills quickly and seats are limited.
For more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com, or call Kim Fuller at Friends of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park at 229-928-4825.
JULY 2024
13
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9:30 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline train for a Sumter Explorer ride to Americus and Plains on this summertime Saturday. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. and the train departs at 10 a.m. from Lake Blackshear. The train arrives in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a 1-hour, 30-minute layover. The train will arrive back in Americus at 1:15 p.m. for a 1-hour, 45-minute layover. Special abbreviated tours of the historic Windsor Hotel may be offered by the Americus Visitor Center for train passengers only. Call 229-928-6059 for details.
For tickets or more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.
20
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9:30 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline train for a Sumter Explorer ride to Americus and Plains. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. and the train departs at 10 a.m. from Lake Blackshear. The train arrives in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a 1-hour, 30-minute layover. The train will arrive back in Americus at 1:15 p.m. for a 1-hour, 45-minute layover. Special abbreviated tours of the historic Windsor Hotel may be offered by the Americus Visitor Center. Call 229-928-6059 for details.
For tickets or more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.
27
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9:30 AM
Want a fun summertime trip before school starts for the kids? Then hop aboard the SAM Shortline train for a Sumter Explorer ride to Americus and Plains. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. and the train departs at 10 a.m. from Lake Blackshear. The train arrives in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a 1-hour, 30-minute layover. The train will arrive back in Americus at 1:15 p.m. for a 1-hour, 45-minute layover. Special abbreviated tours of the historic Windsor Hotel may be offered by the Americus Visitor Center. Call 229-928-6059 for details.
For tickets or more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or visitwww.samshortline.com.
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