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!

JULY 2024

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.

27, 28
Glass Blowing Class – Americus
9 AM-4 PM
Artist Devan Cole will be teaching classes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 701 McGarrah St. in Americus. Other classes are offered in June, all either on Saturday or Sunday. The sessions cost $120. Guests can pay with cash or check upon arrival for the workshop. Guests are invited to bring their friends! It takes roughly 30 minutes to complete one artwork; up to two people can make something at the same time. Call 585-704-6942 to make an appointment. Participants must wear closed toe shoes and 100 percent cotton clothing. After your class, the glass must cool in the annealer for 24 hours before it is ready to pick up to take home.
For full pickup details and other information, call 585-704-6942.
Also visit www.hotglassacademy.com.

AUGUST 2024

15
Southwest Georgia Field Day – Plains
8:30 AM-11 AM
The public is invited to the Southwest Georgia Field Day at the Southwest Georgia Research and Education Center, formerly known as the Plains Experiment Station, in Plains. The annual event begins at 8:30 a.m. The address is 108 Experiment Station Road.
For more information, contact Scott Rogers at 229-824-4375 or emailswgeorgia@uga.edu.

16-18
Butterfly Daze Reception – Plains
6 PM
Join in Butterfly Daze, a weekend long event celebrating the life and legacy of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at this Friday opening reception at The Hudson House. The event is presented by the Americus-based Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. The reception is followed by a 7 p.m. Film & Conversation at the Plains High School auditorium on North Bond Street.
For more information, emailfriendsofjimmycarter@outlook.com or call 229-824-5373 or 229-928-4825. For full details, visit www.jimmycarterfriends.org.

17
Rosalynn Carter Memorial Food Distribution – Plains
8:30 AM
The free food demonstration named in memory of the former first lady takes place on Saturday in the parking lot of the Plains Historic Inn downtown.
For more information, call 229-928-4825.

17
Butterfly Release – Plains
11 AM
Visit the Rosalynn Carter Childhood Garden on Rosalynn Carter Trail, formerly known as South Bond Street, for the annual Butterfly Release. The event pays tribute to the former first lady and her love of and work to save the beautiful monarch butterflies.
For more information, call 229-928-4825.

17
Hudson House Art Center Dedication – Plains
NOON
Visit the oldest house in the city of Plains for the Hudson House Art Center dedication. The house, built by town founder M.L. Hudson, is the home where the first baby was born after the town was founded in 1885. It has been recently renovated as an art center.
For more information on the dedication, contact Kim C. Fuller at 229-928-4825.

17
Coffee & Conversations – Plains
1 PM-4 PM
Visit Maranatha Baptist in Plains, just past the famous “Smiling Peanut,” for “Coffee & Conversations.” Panel talks will take place at 1 p.m.; 2 p.m.; and 3 p.m. The church is located at 148 Ga. Highway 45 N.
For more information, call the church at 229-824-7896 or Kim C. Fuller at 229-928-4825.

17
2024 Carter Historical Auction – Plains
4:30 PM-9 PM
The Plains Community Center in downtown Plains will be the site for the anticipated Carter Historical Auction. Numerous items belonging to President Jimmy Carter and the late first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter will be auctioned. The event was rescheduled from May.
For more information, email friendsofjimmycarter@outlook.com or call 229-824-5373.

17
8th Annual Grape Stomp Festival – Americus
11 AM-6 PM
Wolf Creek Plantation will host its eighth annual Grape Stomp Festival beginning at 11 a.m. The address is 207 Wolf Creek Drive in Americus. Local food vendors, arts and crafts vendors and wine and wine slushies will be available all day long! Free tastings and free tours will be offered. Admission is free. Guests are encouraged to bring their family, friends and dogs (on a leash) and have a “grape” time! The event is child-friendly.
For more information, call 229-942-0091 or visitwww.wolfcreekplantation.com.

18
Rosalynn Carter Birthday Commemoration – Plains
10 AM
Visit Maranatha Baptist Church to commemorate the 97th birthday of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who was born on this date in 1927. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and church services begin at 11 a.m.
For more information, contact Maranatha at 229-824-7896 or 229-942-4141 or email mbcplains@gmail.com.  

SEPTEMBER 2024

5
Under the Lights – Americus
TBD
Come to Georgia Southwestern State University’s campus for this soccer 2024 kickoff, which is open to the public. Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show at the conclusion of the Thursday soccer game. This year’s efforts will continue to focus on the annual fund, various scholarships, student programs and a capital improvement project. The goal is 500 total donors. Donors from each of the 50 states (and beyond) are urged to light up their state and turn the map gold!
For more information, call Chelsea Collins at 229-928-4116 or 877-871-4594.

6
First Friday Americus – ‘Downtown Goes Disney’
5 PM-8 PM
Join hundreds of visitors to downtown Americus for the favorite First Friday of the year – “Downtown Goes Disney.” See dozens of Disney-themed characters dressed in appropriate attire, and visit the shops downtown on this fun night for special gifts and souvenirs. Remember to bring your camera! And don’t forget the free trolley rides across town.
For more information, contact Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or Ext. 247.

19
GSW Day of Giving – Americus
ALL DAY
This 24-hour fundraising campaign is in its sixth year, The day is an opportunity for Hurricanes around the world – alumni, community members, parents, friends, faculty, staff and students – to join together and show support for Georgia Southwestern State University. This year’s efforts will continue to focus on the annual fund, various scholarships, student programs, and a capital improvement project. The goal is 500 total donors, and donors are challenged from each of the 50 states (and beyond) to light up their state and turn the map gold!
For more information, call 229-928-4116 or 877-871-4594.

26
Taste of Sumter
6 PM-9 PM
Visit downtown Americus for one of the favorite events of the year and taste the best food across Sumter County. Dozens of establishments will be serving their favorites.
For more information, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or Ext. 247, or visit www.downtownamericus.com.

28
Plains Road Race – Plains
8 AM, 8:30 AM
The Plains Road Race will kick off the 2024 Plains Peanut Festival. Participants can run to support Jordan’s Hidden Treasures and help families of special needs children with the financial needs their care entails. The Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. and the 5K Run begins at 8:30 a.m.  The course is USATF certified.
For more information on registration and other details, call Kim Fuller at 229-928-4825 or visit Facebook.

28
Plains Peanut Festival – Plains
ALL DAY
Visit the hometown of former President Jimmy Carter for the annual Plains Peanut Festival and enjoy activities all day! A special highlight is the 11 a.m. Main Street Parade. The festival kicks off with a fun run and a 5K road race. People line the sidewalks of Plains to watch the unusual parade entries. Educational exhibits will be on display to accentuate the importance of agriculture in Sumter County and this region. Dozens of vendors in addition to food trucks will be on hand. A street dance concludes the evening.
For more information, call Kim at 229-928-4825 or Linda at 229-824-7477.

OCTOBER 2024

5-6
Andersonville Encampment – Andersonville
10 AM-5 PM
Visit the historic Civil War Village of Andersonville for the popular Andersonville Encampment, formerly known as the Andersonville Historic Fair. Hours on both Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 2024 event features artist, author and historian Gregory Newsom and celebrates American history. See two mock Civil War battles and enjoy living history with troop encampments, blacksmithing, chair caning, basket weaving and much more. Hundreds of re-enactors take part. The event, now in its 48th year, is free to American history lovers! Food vendors will be on site.
For more information, visit www.andersonvillega.net or call Cynthia at the Andersonville Welcome Center at 229-924-2558, or write Andersonville Welcome Center, 109 E. Church, St., Andersonville, GA 31711. To be a vendor, email festival@andersonvillegeorgia.info.

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