Local area events for this year

WAYS TO ENJOY SUMTER COUNTY THIS FALL & WINTER:

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!

MARCH 2025

29
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline train for a trip to President Carter’s hometown of Plains. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The train departs at 10 a.m. Following a flag stop in Americus, the train arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover. The train then will travel to the Carter Boyhood Farm in Archery. The train arrives back at Lake Blackshear at 4:30 p.m.
For tickets or more information on this or all other SAM Shortline train rides, call 229-276-0755.

29
‘Living History’ – Andersonville
ALL DAY
Visit Andersonville on the last Saturday of the month as “Living History” is right around the corner at Andersonville National Historic Site. See ration cooking demonstrations, infantry demonstrations, women’s programs, the Father Peter Whelan story, and enjoy Jr. Ranger activities. By showing a small part of what Civil War soldiers experienced, the park hopes to make a connection and spark an interest in learning that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to learn, reflect and connect with the stories of those who came before us. Also, check out the Drummer Boy Civil War Museum in Andersonville while in town.
For more information, visitwww.nps.gov/ande or call 229-322-6898 or 229-924-0343.

APRIL 2025

3-5
Murder Mystery Dinner – Americus
6:30 PM
Visit the historic Windsor Hotel on Lamar Street in downtown Americus for this Murder Mystery Dinner. It’s one way to kick off an enjoyable weekend in beautiful Sumter County! The event begins at approximately 6:30 p.m. all three evenings – Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Cost for the dinner and show is $65 per person. The menu includes an entrée of bourbon glazed pork chops; chicken parmigiana; blackened or classic salmon; or 10-ounce chopped steak. Dessert choices are New York cheesecake or tuxedo truffle mousse cake. Some room rates will be discounted for the special weekend as well.
For more information or to make reservations, call 229-924-1555.

4
First Friday Americus – ‘Artsapalooza’
5 PM-8 PM
Come to downtown Americus for the First Friday of April and enjoy the arts! The event begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. Don’t forget the free trolley rides across downtown! For more information, call the Americus Main Street office at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.

4
Avenue of Flags – Andersonville
8:15 AM
Join Rolling Thunder Georgia-3 for raising the Avenue of Flags at Andersonville National Historic on this first Friday of the month. Riders will meet at Stripling’s General Store, 301 AG Village Blvd. in Perry. A safety briefing is conducted at 8:15 a.m. and departure is at 8:30 a.m. for Andersonville. All are welcome – bikes, slingshots, cars, Jeeps and trucks. Other dates for the year are May 16; Sept. 5, and Nov. 7 — all Fridays.
For more details, contact Mike Ott, chairman of the board, at 478-235-2271 or call the Andersonville Welcome Center at 229-924-2558. Be sure to see the Civil War Village of Andersonville while in town.

5
Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Tournament – Americus
8:30 AM
The 2025 Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Tournament takes place on the first Saturday of the month at Griffin Bell Golf Course in Americus. Proceeds will be donated to charity. In 2024, a total of $7,750 was donated to 11 different charities. The tournament will be a four-player scramble with handicap. There will be team and individual prizes. The entry fee is $60 per player, which includes lunch and drinks. One golfer will have a chance to make a 60-foot putt for $5,000! Individual and team prizes will be given out.
For more information, call Ronald Akerman at 229-942-1653 or email KofC7113CharityGolfTournament@gmail.com or call the Griffin Bell Golf Couse at 229-924-2914.

5
Hot Glass Craft Beer Festival – Americus
2 PM-6 PM
Visit Americus on the first Saturday of April to enjoy one of the city’s most favorite events of the year, celebrating two of Americus’ well-known entities, including fabulous glass blowing.
Tickets are on sale now. Call 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 for additional information or email jenglish@americusga.gov or qwillis@americusga.gov.   

5
SAM Shortline train ride – Murder Mystery Dinner Train
6 PM
Depart from the Americus Train Depot, 329 S. Jackson St., at 6 p.m. for this Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Enjoy an exciting, interactive Murder Mystery and try to solve the murder! Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m. The dinner price is $139.99 per person. Coach seats are $35 per person and a child’s seat is $25, which does not include the meal.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, call 229-276-0755 or visitwww.samshortline.com.

19
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9:30 AM
Travel the countryside through DeSoto, Leslie, Americus and Plains and see the best of Sumter County. Boarding begins at 9 a.m. and the train departs at 9:30 a.m. The train will arrive in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a  1½-hour layover, then arrives in Americus at 1:15 p.m. for a 1-hour, 45-minute layover. Special tours will be offered of the historic Windsor Hotel for $1 only for train passengers.
For more information, call the train office at 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

19
Warrior Challenge 2025 – Andersonville
ALL DAY
The third Saturday of the month in Andersonville will bring back Warrior Challenge 2025! The Sheppard Pride Community Center volunteers are ready to make this year’s challenge one to remember. Andersonville’s mayor and City Council will be a presenting sponsor again this year. Stephanie Wooden, one of the SPCC volunteers, will serve as point of contact for planning and coordination.
For more information, contact her at stephga2024@yahoo.com or call Andersonville city clerk Teresa Owens at 229-924-2068.

20
Happy Easter!

26
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9:30 AM
Travel the countryside through DeSoto, Leslie, Americus and Plains and see the best of Sumter County. Boarding begins at 9 a.m. and the train departs at 9:30 a.m. The train will arrive in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a  1½-hour layover, then arrives in Americus at 1:15 p.m. for a 1-hour, 45-minute layover. Special tours will be offered of the historic Windsor Hotel for $1 only for train passengers.
For more information, call the train office at 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

27-May 3
National Small Business Week – Americus
ALL DAY
Shop small in Americus and all of Sumter County in celebration of National Small Business Week. Check out all the unique finds that our area has to offer, from pecans to coffee to the “Best Dog Ever Bitten By Man” hot dogs at Monroe’s on Lamar Street! For more information, call 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or visit any downtown business.

MAY 2025

1-31
Burger Bash – Americus
ALL DAY
The competition may be steep as all eateries downtown and throughout Americus will be vying to bring home the title of Best Burger in Americus. Guests are invited to try out all the spots and vote throughout the month on what they consider the best hamburger. Rules are available at Americus Main Street, 101 W. Lamar St. downtown, or by calling 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.

2
First Friday Americus – ‘Multicultural May’
5 PM-8PM
For the first Friday of May, enjoy “Multicultural May” on this First Friday. Celebrate cultures from the United States and around the world. For more information, call Jennifer at Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or Rod at the Americus Visitor Center at 229-928-6059.

2
Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail Symposium & Plant Sale – Plains
ALL DAY
Visit first lady Rosalynn Carter’s hometown for the annual Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail Spring Symposium & Native Plant Sale in the courtyard of the Plains Community Center. Hear board member and Emory University biologist Dr. Jaap de Roode speak at 12:30 p.m. His newly released book will be available for purchase at the plant sale. The book includes information about Monarch butterflies and how they heal themselves. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Allan Armitage. Also speaking will be Melissa Montgomery, former first lady’s personal assistant from 1985 to 2023.
For more information, contact Annette Wise at 229-824-4567,

3
‘Prison to Peanuts’ bike ride – Americus
7 AM
Get up and out early to enjoy the “Prison to Peanuts” bicycle ride on this South Georgia Bicycle Adventure. Riders will meet at 7 a.m. at Lenny’s Market, 110 N. Hampton St. in Americus.
For more information on the route or any other details, visit www.sumtercycling.org or call John Morgan at RVRC at 706-256-2910.

10
Spring Wine Festival – Americus
11 AM-5 PM
Visit Wolf Creek Plantation for its ninth annual Spring Wine Festival on the second Saturday of the month. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free tastings and tours will be offered, in addition to dozens of arts and crafts vendors on site. The address is 207 Wolf Creek Drive, Americus.
For more information, contact Hannah at 229-942-0091. Note that the ninth annual Grape Stomp Festival will be coming up on Sept. 13.

16
Avenue of Flags – Andersonville
8:15 AM
Join Rolling Thunder Georgia-3 for raising the Avenue of Flags at Andersonville National Historic on this third Friday of the month. Riders will meet at Stripling’s General Store, 301 AG Village Blvd. in Perry. A safety briefing is conducted at 8:15 a.m. and departure is at 8:30 a.m. for Andersonville. All are welcome – bikes, slingshots, cars, Jeeps and trucks. Other dates for the year are Sept. 5 and Nov. 7 – both Fridays.
For more details, contact Mike Ott, chairman of the board, at 478-235-2271 or call the Andersonville Welcome Center at 229-924-2558. Be sure to see the Civil War Village of Andersonville while in town.

17
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline train for a trip to President Carter’s hometown of Plains. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The train departs at 10 a.m. Following a flag stop in Americus, the train arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover. The train then will travel to the Carter Boyhood Farm in Archery. The train arrives back at Lake Blackshear at 4:30 p.m.
For tickets or more information on this or all other SAM Shortline train rides, call 229-276-0755.

24
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Ride the SAM Shortline train for a trip to President Carter’s hometown of Plains. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The train departs at 10 a.m. Following a flag stop in Americus, the train arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover. The train then will travel to the Carter Boyhood Farm in Archery. The train arrives back at Lake Blackshear at 4:30 p.m. For tickets or more information on this or all other SAM Shortline train rides, call 229-276-0755.

26
Memorial Day
ALL DAY
For events at the Andersonville National Historic Site or the Andersonville Civil War Village, call 229-924-2558. The Drummer Boy Civil War Museum in the town will be open regular hours.

31
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Ride the SAM Shortline train for a trip to President Carter’s hometown of Plains. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The train departs at 10 a.m. Following a flag stop in Americus, the train arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover. The train then will travel to the Carter Boyhood Farm in Archery. The train arrives back at Lake Blackshear at 4:30 p.m.
For tickets or more information on this or all other SAM Shortline train rides, call 229-276-0755.

JUNE 2025

14
Happy Flag Day!

14
Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale – Americus
10 AM-2 PM
Looking for that perfect summertime outfit, swimsuit or gift? Then shop downtown on the second Saturday of the month to find the perfect bargain. Numerous Americus businesses will be participating.
For more details, call 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.

27
Downtown Beach Party – Americus
5 PM-8 PM
Rylander Park in downtown Americus will be the site again for the annual Downtown Beach Party to kick off summertime. Tons of white sand will fill the park as kids get a taste of the beach without going far! For more information, call 229-924-4411, Ext. 247.

28
SAM Shortline train ride – Plains, Trains & Fireworks
5:30 PM
For the most spectacular fireworks show in all of Sumter County, visit President Carter’s hometown of Plains to celebrate Independence Day. The event is held annually on the Saturday preceding the Fourth of July.  The train will depart at 6 p.m. from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear and arrive in Plains at 7:45 p.m. The fireworks show begins at dusk. All shops on Main Street in Plains will be open before the show begins. The train departs Plains at 9:45 p.m.
For tickets or more information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

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