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 2025
26
Confederate Memorial Service – Americus
10:30 AM
The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #78 will have its annual Confederate States of America Memorial Service on the last Saturday of April. The event takes place at Oak Grove Cemtery and begins at 10:30 a.m. April is designated as Confederate History and Heritage Month in Georgia.
For more information, contact John Carroll on Facebook or call James Gaston at 229-938-9115 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
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-8 PM
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.
3
SAM Shortline train ride – Wine & Cheese train
1 PM, 3:30 PM
Enjoy an hour-and-a-half long round-trip SAM Shortline train ride aboard historic air-conditioned railroad cars for a wine tasting adventure with Wolf Creek Plantation. The trip will depart from the Jackson Street Depot in Americus. Wine and cheese tray will be served onboard the train as you relax and enjoy the scenery. The package Includes a souvenir wine glass and four different wine samplings from Wolf Creek, and a charcuterie board with a variety of cheeses, meats and crackers. For more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.
8-11
‘Steel Magnolias’ – Americus
7 PM, 2:30 PM
Visit the historic Rylander Theatre in Americus for the performance of “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling. The performances are presented by Sumter Players. The times are 7 p.m. on May 8-10 (Thursday-Saturday) and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 11 — Mother’s Day. Tickets are on sale beginning April 8 at Rylander.org. Adult tickets are $17 and tickets for seniors and students are $12.
For more information, call the Rylander at 229-931-0001 or Laura McConatha at 706-325-4604 or email [email protected].
10
‘Pilates For Paws’ fundraiser – Americus
9:30 AM
Purchase a ticket for $25 for a cause and come out and drop a mat to experience a Pilates class with April Sampson, certified Pilates instructor. One hundred percent of ticket sales will be donated to the Sumter County Humane Society. The fundraiser takes place at Rylander Park next to the 1800 Mexican Restaurant in downtown Americus. What you need are a yoga mat, grip socks or no socks, and exercise clothing. No experience is required! Tickets must be purchased by May 9 to have a spot.
For more information, call 229-924-0268.
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.
10
Evening Cemetery Tour – Andersonville
7 PM
On the second Saturday night of the month, join Andersonville National Historic Site park staff at the Andersonville National Cemetery for an Evening Cemetery Tour. The entrance gate will open at 6:30 p.m. The program will begin at 7 p.m., and end by 8 p.m. The program will be offered every second Saturday throughout the summer. Please note that the main entrance, prison site tour road, and the National Prisoner of War Museum will be closing at regular hours and will remain closed during the program.
For more information, call 229-924-0343, Ext. 3, or 229-322-6898 or 229-931-7222. You also can email Gia at [email protected] or [email protected].
11
Happy Mother’s Day
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.
14
Evening Cemetery Tour – Andersonville
7 PM
On the second Saturday night of June, also Flag Day, join Andersonville National Historic Site park staff at the Andersonville National Cemetery for an Evening Cemetery Tour. The entrance gate will open at 6:30 p.m. The program will begin at 7 p.m., and end by 8 p.m. The program will be offered every second Saturday throughout the summer. Please note that the main entrance, prison site tour road, and the National Prisoner of War Museum will be closing at regular hours and will remain closed during the program.
For more information, call 229-924-0343, Ext. 3, or 229-322-6898 or 229-931-7222. You also can email Gia at [email protected] or [email protected].
16-21
Missoula Children’s Theatre – Americus
TBD
Visit the historic Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus for the annual Missoula Children’s Theatre and the performance of “Hansel and Gretel.” Dates are Monday, June 16 through Saturday, June 21. Registration opens on April 16. Missoula Children’s Theatre is for ages 6-18. From its headquarters in Montana, the arts organization’s core goal is to serve youth with quality and accessible performing arts programming to far-reaching parts of the globe.
For more information, call the Rylander at 229-931-0001 or visit www.rylander.org.
19
Happy Juneteenth!
23-27
Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy – Americus
TBD
Kids ages 8-12 can visit the historic Rylander Theatre in Americus and enjoy a week of Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy. It’s a summer camp that creates an out-of-this-world experience with Janet Ivet and her team of educators and experts! Each day brings a new mission and expert guests from the science community. The event runs Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27. Registration opens on April 16. For more information, call the theater at 229-931-0001 or visit www.rylander.org.
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.
JULY 2025
4
Happy Independence Day!
12
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9 AM
Ride aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train for this fun trip across Sumter County, traveling through Cobb, DeSoto, Leslie, Americus and Plains. Boarding begins at 9 a.m. with departure at 9:30 a.m. from Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear. The train arrives in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a 1½-hour layover. The train arrives in Americus at 1:15 p.m. and will stop for an hour and 45 minutes. Special abbreviated tours of the historic Windsor Hotel will be offered by the Americus Visitor Center. For details on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 228-276-0755. The Americus Visitor Center number is 229-928-6059. The train also follows the same schedule the following Saturday.
12
Evening Cemetery Tour – Andersonville
7 PM
On the second Saturday night of the month, join Andersonville National Historic Site park staff at the Andersonville National Cemetery for an Evening Cemetery Tour. The entrance gate will open at 6:30 p.m. The program will begin at 7 p.m., and end by 8 p.m. The program will be offered every second Saturday throughout the summer. Please note that the main entrance, prison site tour road, and the National Prisoner of War Museum will be closing at regular hours and will remain closed during the program.
For more information, call 229-924-0343, Ext. 3, or 229-322-6898 or 229-931-7222. You also can email Gia at [email protected] or [email protected].
19
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9 AM
Avoid the summertime heat by hopping aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train for this delightful trip across Sumter County. You will travel through Cobb, DeSoto, Leslie, Americus and Plains. Boarding begins at 9 a.m. with departure at 9:30 a.m. from Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear. The train arrives in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a 1½-hour layover. The train arrives in Americus at 1:15 p.m. and will stop for an hour and 45 minutes. Special abbreviated tours of the historic Windsor Hotel will be offered by the Americus Visitor Center. For details on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 228-276-0755. The Americus Visitor Center number is 229-928-6059.
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