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!
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.
1
Peter Furler Concert – Americus
7 PM
Peter Furler, former lead singer of the Newsboys, will appear in concert in Americus at 7 p.m. to kick off the month of February. The concert takes place take at Cornerstone Church, 245 Southland Road. Furler is a true icon in Christian music. Tickets include a Chick-fil-A dinner. Doors open at 5 p.m. for VIP and at 6 p.m. for general admission.
For more information, call Cornerstone at 229-924-7409 or visit the Cornerstone Americus Facebook page or go to www.showopspresents.com.
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.
7
Chili Crawl – Americus
5 PM-8 PM
Visit downtown Americus shops for the annual Chili Crawl on the First Friday of February, now in its eighth year. Taste the best chili made in Sumter County, typically at more than a dozen locations!
For more information, call Jennifer English at the Americus Street office at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235, or Qaijuan Willis at Ext. 247.
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.
8, 15
African-American Heritage Tour – Americus
10 AM
As part of Black History Month, the Americus Visitor Center will offer its African-American Heritage Tour beginning at 10 a.m. The hourlong tour aboard the Americus Trolley begins at the Visitor Center, 101 W. Lamar St. downtown. Highlights include the old Americus Institute site on North Lee Street; Eastview Cemetery; Campbell Chapel AME Church; Americus Colored Hospital; Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church; and other sites with links to Americus’ rich African-American history. For ticket and all other information, call 229-928-6059.
Tickets may be purchased in advance or on the day of the tour, as space allows. Seating is limited.
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.
21
Farm Safety Day – Plains
8 AM
The District 8 Farm Safety Day will take in Plains at the University of Georgia’s Southwest Georgia Research and Education Center. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. with refreshments. The address is 108 Experiment Station Drive. Pesticide credits will be offered for commercial and private businesses. The guest speaker will be Mike Reynolds.
To register, go to: http://gfb.ag/D8FarmSafety or call 229-824-4375 ore 229-924-4476 for more information.
22
Women’s Wine and Chocolate Walk – Americus
1 PM-5 PM
For one of the year’s most enjoyable events, visit downtown Americus for the annual Women’s Wine and Chocolate Walk. The event begins at 1 p.m. and runs until 5 p.m. Taste wines from across the Peach State and enjoy tasty chocolates from Koinonia Farm, outside Americus.
For more information and ticket information, call Jennifer at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
22
Sidewalk Sale – Plains
8 AM-UNTIL
Visit the hometown of President and Mrs. Carter to get a preview of spring as the weather warms up, and do some shopping! Several stores will offer specials. Don’t forget the famous Peanut Butter Ice Cream at Plain Peanuts or enjoy lunch at Buffalo Café on Main Street! See the unique items available at Southwest Trophy and Gifts, the Plains Antique Mall, and other stores. For more information, call 229-928-4825.
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.
22
Night Museum – Andersonville
6 PM-9 PM
The National Prisoner of War Museum at Andersonville National Historic Site will be open for a nighttime opportunity for guests to view the museum exhibits and experience the prison site after dark. The rare opening is one of the favorite events of the year.
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/ande or follow Andersonville National Historic Site on social media. Also, you can call Susie at 229-518-2846; Gia at 229-322-6898; or Charles at 229-924-0343, Ext. 3 for additional information.
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
1
Book Signing – Americus
1 PM-3 PM
Johnnie Edward “JET” Jones Jr. will appear at Lake Blackshear Regional Library in Americus beginning at 1 p.m. for a book signing of “The Jet Will Fly! / How to Overcome the Weight of the World.” Jones will speak about his new book and sign copies and inspire students of all ages to strive to find their own voice navigating through life’s challenges. An Americus native, Jones has served as president of the Fayetteville NAACP in metro Atlanta. His book tells the story of being a changemaker from Beale Street in Americus, who at age 9 became a courageous activist in the Americus civil rights movement of the 1960s.
For more information, email Sam Mahone at[email protected].
7
First Friday Americus – ‘Lights, Camera, Downtown’
5 PM-8 PM
“Lights, Camera, Downtown” is the theme for the First Friday in March. Come to downtown Americus to experience various movie themes and TV shows and enjoy the spectacle. Enjoy free trolley rides at various stops throughout the evening.
For more information, call the Americus Main Street office at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247.
7-8
Murder on the Orient Express – SAM Shortline ride
5 PM
Get tickets early for Sumter Players’ “Murder on the Orient Express.” Ride aboard the SAM Shortline train and enjoy dinner, drama and a dash of mystery! Then unravel the “murder” live at the Rylander Theatre stage in Americus.
For more information, call Laura McConatha at 706-325-4604 or email [email protected].
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.
15
Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale – Americus
10 AM-2 PM
Looking for that perfect suit or gift for spring? Then shop downtown on the second Saturday of the month to find the perfect bargain. Numerous Americus businesses will be participating.
For details, call 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
APRIL 2025
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.
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or [email protected].
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.
20
Happy Easter!
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 Spring Symposium and Plant Sale – Plains
ALL DAY
Visit the first lady’s hometown of Plains for the annual Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail Spring Symposium and Plant Sale on the first Friday of May. Dr. Allan Armitage, a nationally recognized author, writer and speaker and professor emeritus of horticulture at the University of Georgia, will be the keynote speaker.
Reservations should be made early as seating is limited. Details and registration information is online at www.rosalynncarterbutterflytrail.org. You can also call Annette Wise at 229-938-9978 or 229-824-4567 for more information, or write: Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail, P.O. 10, Plains, GA 31780.
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.
JUNE 2025
6
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.
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.
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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