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!
OCTOBER 2024
1
Charters of Freedom Dedication Ceremony – Plains
4:30 PM
The Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Civil Rights Amendments soon will be on permanent display in Sumter County, thanks to a collaborative effort by the Plains City Council and Friends of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, in partnership with Foundation Forward, Inc. of Burke County, N.C. These foundational documents, collectively known as the Charters of Freedom, will be installed at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park on Main Street, across from the historic downtown business district, in celebration of President Carter’s 100th birthday. The event takes place at 4:30 p.m. This will be the first setting placed in the state of Georgia. The public is invited.
For more information, call 828-522-1400, or contact Plains Mayor Joey Recker at 229-938-5455 or email mayor@plainsgeorgia.org.
1
Happy Birthday Mr. President – Plains
7 PM
David Osborne, Sandi Patty, Brent Cobb, Cindy Morgan and Andrew Greer will be in Plains to celebrate 100 years of President Jimmy Carter. The event at the Plains High School auditorium begins at 7 p.m. It will feature Carter family members; presidential descendants; the Southwest Civic Chorus and the Georgia Southwestern State University Concert Choir. The spectacle is presented by Friends of Jimmy Carter and the National Park Service, in partnership with Gammage Print Shop in Americus and Madison Hernandez Photo & Art in Americus.
For tickets or more information, call 229-928-4825 or go to www.jimmycarterfriends.org.
3
10th annual Sparky Reeves Golf Classic – Americus
NOON
It’s time to play some golf! Get your three-man team entered and/or sponsor a hole in the 10th annual classic that honors Americus favorite Sparky Reeves. It’s fun competition for locals and out-of-towners alike every year.
For more information on the Thursday event, contact Terri Battle at tbattle@southgatech.edu or call her at 229-931-2719.
3-6
‘Harvey’ by Mary Chase – Americus
7 PM, 2:30 PM
Sumter Players is celebrating its 60th year and is proud to bring back “Harvey” by Mary Chase. The performance will be at the Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. with a Sunday performance at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for students and seniors are $12 and tickets for adults are $17. “It’s our dreams that keep us going” will be celebrated.
For more information, call Laura at 706-325-4604.
4
Ranger Memorial Stone Paver Ceremony – Andersonville
1:15 PM
Three of four stone pavers removed from the Ranger Hall of Fame Memorial at Fort Moore outside Columbus will be permanently showcased at the Drummer Boy Civil War Museum in Andersonville at this ceremony. The pavers will find a home at the local museum to “maintain history for future generations.” The pavers contain the names of Ranger Hall of Fame members who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War. Andersonville City Council will provide lunch for dignitaries at the event.
For more information, call the Andersonville Welcome Center at 229-924-2558 or visit www.andersonvillegeorgia.info.
4
Americus Haunted History Tour
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center brings back its most famous tour of the year – the Americus Haunted History Tour – on the first Friday night of the month, weather permitting. This is the first of 10 tours being offered this Halloween season. Hear intriguing stories of the past of events that you never knew happened in Americus – and be surprised! The highlight is of the Windsor Hotel. Other dates for the tour are Oct. 8, 11, 14, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30 and 31.
To purchase tickets and make reservations, call the Americus Visitor Center at 229-928-6059.
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.
8
Americus Haunted History Tour
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center brings back its most famous tour of the year – the Americus Haunted History Tour – in 2024. This Tuesday tour is the second of 10 tours being offered, weather permitting. Hear intriguing stories of the past of events that you never knew happened in Americus – and be surprised! The highlight is of the Windsor Hotel. Other dates for the tour are Oct. 11, 14, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30 and 31.
To purchase tickets and make reservations, call the Americus Visitor Center at 229-928-6059.
11
Americus Haunted History Tour
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center brings back its most famous tour of the year – the Americus Haunted History Tour – in 2024, weather permitting. This Friday night tour is the third of 10 tours being offered. Hear intriguing stories of the past of events that you never knew happened in Americus – and be surprised! The highlight is of the Windsor Hotel. Other dates for the tour are Oct. 14, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30 and 31.
To purchase tickets and make reservations, call the Americus Visitor Center at 229-928-6059.
11-19
Fuller Center Bike Adventure – Nashville, Tenn.
1 WEEK, 1 BUILD DAY
Americus-based Fuller Center invites the public to participate in the “Natchez Trace” bike adventure. The ride goes 375 miles at 63 miles per day. Riders will be speaking to church groups, media and civic organizations. They will put their hands to work on Fuller Center projects. The ride begins in Nashville, Tenn., and ends in Jackson, Miss. Biking, speaking and building – a new kind of triathlon!
To learn more, contact Neil Mullikin, bike adventure coordinator, at 229-514-4805 or bike@fullercenter.org.
12
Fall at the Market – Americus
8 AM-NOON
Visit Lenny’s Farmers Market on Hampton Street for this annual treat. You can purchase products grown locally and help celebrate the fall season. The market will remain open on Saturdays through November. For more information, call 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
14
Americus Haunted History Tour
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center brings back its most famous tour of the year – the Americus Haunted History Tour – in 2024, weather permitting. This is the fourth of 10 tours being offered, and the last offered before the Americus Music Fest on Oct. 19. Hear intriguing stories of the past of events that you never knew happened in Americus – and be surprised! The highlight is of the Windsor Hotel. Other dates for the tour are Oct. 23, 25, 26, 27, 30 and 31.
To purchase tickets and make reservations, call the Americus Visitor Center at 229-928-6059.
19
Americus Music Fest
10 AM-11 PM
For the third year in a row, the Americus Music Fest will bring in thousands of visitors to the city to enjoy a genre of music including performances by the Essene Band, Southern Jazz Collective, Classic Soul, DJ Chilango and others. Food trucks and vendors will be on hand. The event begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 11 p.m. SAM Shortline will be bringing in visitors aboard the train. Bring lawn chairs and blankets but leave the coolers at home. Wine, beer and spirits will be for sale! Don’t forget – It’s just one week from Halloween! Wear your favorite costume after 7 p.m. for a fun costume dance party! A kids’ zone will be a special treat. Best of all, it’s free!
For more information, call 229-928-6059.
21-26
GSW Homecoming & Family Weekend 2024 – Americus
Georgia Southwestern State University alumni, families, friends and the community are invited to join the school all week for exciting events, culminating with homecoming. Reconnect with friends, alumni and the Hurricane community. You can find the full schedule at www.gsw.edu/Homecoming or for more information, call Chelsea at 229-928-4116 or email Chelsea.collins@gsw.edu.
23
Americus Haunted History Tour
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center brings back its most famous tour of the year – the Americus Haunted History Tour – in 2024, weather permitting. This Wednesday tour is the fifth 10 tours being offered. Hear intriguing stories of the past of events that you never knew happened in Americus – and be surprised! The highlight is of the Windsor Hotel. Other dates for the tour are Oct. 25, 26, 27, 30 and 31.
To purchase tickets and make reservations, call the Americus Visitor Center at 229-928-6059.
24
Downtown Trick or Treat – Americus
5 PM-7 PM
The streets of downtown Americus are filled with kids who enjoy trick or treating at this annual event. Trick or treating begins at the conclusion of the annual Kiwanis Pet Parade.
For more information, contact Charlene Pennymon oat 229-928-6487 or any member of the Americus Kiwanis Club.
25-27
Americus Haunted History Tour
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center brings back its most famous tour of the year – the Americus Haunted History Tour – in 2024, weather permitting. Hear intriguing stories of the past of events that you never knew happened in Americus – and be surprised! The highlight is of the Windsor Hotel. Only two other dates for the tour are available this season — Oct. 30 and 31. Purchase tickets and make reservations while there is still time.
Call the Americus Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 for more information.
25-26, 31
Haunted House – Plains
7 PM
Guests love to be “spooked” as the Plains community goes all out for this special Halloween activity. Guests get to see the old Rylander House – one of Sumter County’s oldest houses and also known as the “Haunted House” — in all its gory best. The event takes place on Friday, Saturday and the following Thursday night. For more information, call Kim Fuller at 229-928-4825.
26
WINDSOR LOBBY WELCOME – Americus
4 PM
As part of GSW Family Weekend, the lobby staff at the historic Windsor Hotel at 101 W. Lamar St. will offer a welcome from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The hotel also will be offering tours and haunted tours of the hotel during this time. On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon, there will be a brunch on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University, and Canes Bingo from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tailgating begins at 4 p.m.
For more details, contact Gaye Hayes at GSW at 229-931-2339 or email gaye.hayes@gsw.edu.
30-31
Americus Haunted History Tour
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center winds up its most famous tour of the year on these two nights, Wednesday and Thursday, weather permitting. These are the last of 10 tours being offered this Halloween season. Hear intriguing stories of the past of events that you never knew happened in Americus – and be surprised! The highlight is of the Windsor Hotel.
To purchase tickets and make reservations, call the Americus Visitor Center at 229-928-6059.
NOVEMBER 2024
1
First Friday Americus
5 PM-8 PM
“Flashback Friday” is the theme for this month’s First Friday event. Experience decades of the past across downtown Americus. Don’t forget the free trolley rides across town.
For more information, contact Jennifer at Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or visit www.downtownamericusmainstreet.com.
2
Georgia Sugar Cane Festival – Leslie
8 AM
Join the Leslie community on the first Saturday of November for the annual Georgia Sugar Cane Festival. Guests will enjoy family-friendly activities, and see traditional sugar cane grinding/syrup making; enjoy wagon rides; view the crowning of the Georgia Sugar Cane Princess; corn shelling and more. Food vendors and arts and crafts will be on site. Vendors are welcome and appreciated. Don’t forget to visit “The Memorial Wall.” Best of all, there is no admission charge! Gates open at 8 a.m., at 117 Holley St., Leslie.
For more information, contact Benjie Johnson at 229-942-1111.
2
Downtown Yard Sale – Plains
TBD
Visit downtown Plains for a unique yard sale that draws participants and visitors from a broad region. Enjoy shopping downtown while on Main Street.
For details, call 229-928-4825 or 229-824-5445.
11
Veterans Day
21
Christmas Open House – Americus
5 PM-8 PM
Bring your holiday spirit to downtown Americus and enjoy one of November’s favorite nights. See all the Christmas decorations and enjoy shopping at dozens of downtown stores. The open house begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m.
For full details, call Jennifer at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
22-24
‘The Nutcracker’ performance – Americus
TBA
Fabulous Feet Dance Studio in Americus is excited to produce and perform “The Nutcracker” for the Americus community. The event takes place at the Rylander Theatre on Lamar Street downtown on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All 175 dancers will perform at some point throughout the weekend. Information on tickets and times will be determined.
For more information, see Fabulous Feet Dance Studio’s Facebook page or call the Rylander at 229-931-0001.
28
Happy Thanksgiving
29-30
Small Business Weekend – Americus
ALL DAY
Shop local and visit downtown and all the stores in Americus during this special weekend following Thanksgiving. Enjoy the special Black Friday sales in addition to other specials on both Friday and Saturday.
For more details, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
30
Christmas in Plains – Plains
TBD
SAM Shortline will bring passengers into President Carter’s hometown for the annual Christmas Lighting as the town kicks off the Christmas season in a festive way. Stores will be open late for passengers to enjoy. The Saturday evening lighting is one of the town’s signature events each year.
For more information, contact Kim Fuller at 229-928-4825.
DECEMBER 2024
5
Annual Christmas Parade – Americus
7 PM
More than 70 units typically fill the streets of downtown Americus for the annual Christmas Parade that rings in the holiday in style. Local bands, dancers, cheerleaders and floats are part of the spectacle.
For entry information and other details, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247.
6
First Friday Americus
5 PM-8 PM
“Home For The Holidays” is the theme again for this year’s First Friday in December in Americus. Come downtown and enjoy all the free activities, including rides on the beautiful Americus Trolley.
For more information, call 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
8
A Christmas Portrait Concert – Americus
5 PM
A community Christmas concert for the whole family is set for the second Sunday afternoon in December. Featured will be the Albany Symphony Orchestra; choirs of First Methodist Church of Americus; and Georgia Southwestern State University’s choir. The event takes place at First Methodist Church, 200 S. Lee St., in Americus.
For free tickets and event information, visitwww.fmcamericusga.org/events.
14
Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale – Americus
10 AM-2 PM
The streets of downtown Americus will be filled with shoppers for this special Saturday. Looking for that great Christmas gift? Then shop in Americus.
For more details, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
14
Hope Loud Christmas Concert – Americus
6:30 PM
Central Baptist Church at 190 Upper River Road in Americus is partnering with Hands of Hope for the Hope Loud 2024 Christmas concert. This year’s concert will feature Jeremy Rosado, who appeared on American Idol in 2012 and later The Voice in 2021. Admission is free. Local talent will open up, followed by Rosado. Door prizes will be offered. Free childcare will be available for ages 3 months to 8 years. Dinner will be provided for kids and they will enjoy their own Christmas activities.
Pre-registration is required and limited slots will be available. Registration opens in November on the websitewww.americuspregnancy.org or by calling 229-928-2802. Other contact information is on the @handsofhopeprc Facebook page.
14
Wreaths Across America – Andersonville
NOON
With the help of Bennett International, the Taylor Family Foundation, Friends of Andersonville, the American ex-prisoners of war and other partners, Andersonville National Cemetery will be the site of a ceremony and laying of the wreaths for this key event in Andersonville. The event begins at noon. Bennett is a driving force in helping Andersonville National Historic Site remember and honor our veterans, Location coordinators are Lee Gentry and Charles Barr. The goal is to cover all 20,700 graves.
For more information, contact Charles Barr at 229-924-0343, Ext. 3, or 229-931-7222.
24
Christmas Eve
25
Merry Christmas!
31
New Year’s Eve
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