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!

JANUARY 2025

10
GSW Alumni Association’s Pucks And Chucks – Columbus
6 PM
The Georgia Southwestern State University Alumni Association will travel to Columbus for its Pucks and Chucks event at 6 p.m. The group will enjoy drinks at Mix Market on Broadway in Columbus, followed by River Dragons hockey at 7:30 p.m. at the Columbus Civic Center. Tickets are $20 and are available at //gsw.edu/Alumni.
For more information, email Chelsea Collins at [email protected] or call 229-928-4116.

12
GSW Softball Camps – Americus
TBD
Georgia Southwestern State University softball will be hosting pitching, catching and hitting camps for area high school and junior college softball players. The cost is $60 per player.
To register, visit www.gsw.canes.com.

20
MLK Day of Service Celebration – Americus
11 AM
The theme is “Mission Possible: Game Changers” for this Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Celebration in Americus. The Monday event will take place at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 411 Cotton Ave. The guest speaker is Minister Kaleb Green. Guests are asked to bring canned good items to be donated to the homeless shelter.
For more information, call 229-924-0139.

24
Sounds of Georgia – Americus
8 PM
Discover Georgia’s music magic in Americus! Don’t miss your chance to experience the heart and soul of Georgia’s music as the Sounds of Georgia presented by Friends of the Rylander Presenter Series as part of the 2024-2025 season comes to the historic Rylander Theatre. From the soulful sounds of Little Richard, Ray Charles, James Brown and Otis Redding to the southern charm of Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt and the Zac Brown Band, this show has it all. Feel the energy of the Allman Brothers Band and Atlanta Rhythm Section, then vibe with iconic ’80s hits of R.E.M. and the B-52s. The Friday show starts at 8 p.m.
For tickets or more information, call the Rylander at 229-924-0001.

29
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation – Americus
11 AM
The 45th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation will take place on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University. The event takes place in the Storm Dome beginning at 11 a.m. Guest speaker is Andra B. Brantley, a college adviser and scholarship coordinator speaker and education consultant.
For more information, call 229-928-4116.

FEBRUARY 2025

1
Gold Force Gala – Americus
6 PM
The third annual Gold Force Gala black-tie fundraiser will be held at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus. Cocktails start at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony at 7 p.m. Dancing and live music will follow. Individual tickets, tables and sponsorships are available at gsw.edu/GoldForceGala or by calling 229-928-4116.

3
Chamber Concert Series – Americus
7:30 PM
Project Trio will perform at Jackson Hall on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University as part of the 2025 Chamber Concert Series. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for faculty and staff and free for GSW students with their college ID, and free for all children under 12. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Season tickets also are available.
For more information, call Chelsea Collins at 229-928-4116.

8
SAM Shortline train ride – Valentine’s Dinner Train
6 PM
Travel aboard the SAM Shortline for a romantic dinner onboard a moving train! Three different arrangements are available. The trip does not go to Plains. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The train departs at 6 p.m. and returns at 8 p.m. All cars and seats are assigned. The package includes: choice of prime rib or chicken dinner, $129.99 per person, add on at additional cost, shrimp cocktail for two, $20; Dinner on the Dearing includes Hors d’oeuvres, beverages and chef-prepared three-course filet mignon in an elegant, historic private railcar, $229 per person; or train ride only with no meal, $25 for adults and $12 for ages 2-12. A second date is scheduled for Feb. 15.
For more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.org.

15
SAM Shortline train ride – Valentine’s Dinner Train
6 PM
Travel aboard the SAM Shortline for a romantic dinner onboard a moving train! Three different arrangements are available. The trip does not go to Plains. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The train departs at 6 p.m. and returns at 8 p.m. All cars and seats are assigned. The package includes: choice of prime rib or chicken dinner, $129.99 per person, add on at additional cost, shrimp cocktail for two, $20; Dinner on the Dearing includes Hors d’oeuvres, beverages and chef-prepared three-course filet mignon in an elegant, historic private railcar, $229 per person; or train ride only with no meal, $25 for adults and $12 for ages 2-12.
For additional information, call 229-276-0755.

20
Chamber Concert Series – Americus
7:30 PM
Karolina & Iwo will perform at Jackson Hall on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University as part of the 2025 Chamber Concert Series. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for faculty and staff and free for GSW students with their college ID, and free for all children under 12. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Season tickets also are available.
For more information, call Chelsea Collins at 229-928-4116.

22
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9:30 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline train and discover Sumter County with stops in Americus and Plains! Boarding begins at 9 a.m. and the train departs at 9:30 a.m. from scenic Lake Blackshear. The train arrives in President Carter’s hometown of Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a one hour, 30-minute layover. The train arrives in Americus at 1:15 p.m. for a one hour, 45-minute layover. The train returns to the depot at Lake Blackshear at 4:15 p.m.
For information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.org.  

26
Teddy Bear Toss – Americus
TBD
Attend the Georgia Southwestern State University men’s basketball game and take place in the annual Teddy Bear Toss! Bring a stuffed animal to the game and throw it on the floor after the first point is scored. The event is a fan favorite each year! All toys collected will be donated to Phoebe Women’s and Children’s Health Services Department.
For more information, visit www.gswcanes.com or call 229-928-4116.

MARCH 2025

8
Plains Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show – Plains
10 AM-3 PM
Visit Plains for the 16th annual Plains Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show on Main Street. Vehicles fill downtown beginning at 10 a.m. on the Saturday morning. The event is hosted by Southwest Trophy & Gifts. Entry fee is 25 per vehicle, and $30 day of registration. Categories include: Stock Cars, 1900-1985 and 1986-present; Modified Cars, 1940-1985 and 1986-present; Street Rods 1900-1948 and 1949-present; and Trucks and Motorcycles. Awards for each category will include: Best of Show; Top 10; Kids Choice; Mayor’s Choice; and Police Chief Choice. The day will feature food, games, live music, door prizes, raffles and more. Online registration can be found at www.carshowtoolbox.com/plains.
For more information, call or text Stephanie Young at 229-928-0660. All proceeds will go to the families of Ella Jones, Evelyn Dean and Cuyler Barr, all special needs children.

APRIL 2025

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 [email protected] or call Andersonville city clerk Teresa Owens at 229-924-2068.

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: Americus Sumter Tourism
Twitter: @SeeSumterCounty