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!
SEPTEMBER 2023
1
First Friday Americus – Downtown Tailgate & Bar Fight
5 PM-8 PM
Visit downtown Americus beginning at 5 p.m. for September’s First Friday. The theme is “Downtown Tailgate & Bar Fight,” one of the year’s favorites.
For more information, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247.
2
September Bash – Leslie
2 PM
Musical stars The Tams and Alex Clements & Friends of Rochelle appear in concert in Leslie the first Saturday of September. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the main show starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person and kids under age 12 get in free. All proceeds go to the Memorial Park Fund. No refunds will be provided due to inclement weather. The show takes place at Memorial Park, 117 Holley St. in the city of Leslie. Food vendors; arts and crafts; business booths; and music all day will be available. Canopies will be allowed only in designated areas; lawn chairs are encouraged. No coolers, please!
For ticket outlets and more information, call Benjie Johnson at 229-942-1111.
2
SAM Shortline train ride – Murder Mystery Dinner Train
6 PM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train at the Americus depot on Jackson Street for this 2 ½-hour road trip ride to Plains. The train departs at 6 p.m. Enjoy the exciting Murder Mystery Dinner Train and try to solve the murder. It’s always one of SAM Shortline’s favorite adventures! For tickets or more information, call 229-276-0755 or 877-427-2457.
8
SAM Shortline train ride – Plains Express
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline for a Friday excursion to President Carter’s hometown of Plains. The train departs from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear, with departure at 10 a.m. The train will arrive in Plains at 11:45 a.m. and does include a flag stop in Americus. For more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755.
15
National POW/MIA Recognition Day – Andersonville
11 AM
The National Prisoner of War Museum at the Andersonville National Historic Site will host National POW/MIA Recognition Day to honor those who were held captive and returned, as well as those who remain missing. Professor Glenn Robins will be presenting a program entitled “My Journey with America’s Prisoners of War.” He is chairman of the Department of History at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus and a life member of the Friends of Andersonville. He has authored several books on the American POW experience. The program also will be live-streamed on their Facebook page.
For more information, call 229-931-7200 or 229-322-6898 or 229-924-2558.
16
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
For a fun Saturday ride to President Carter’s hometown of Plains, hop aboard the SAM Shortline train for this 10 a.m. departure from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The ride includes a flag stop in Americus, and arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. For more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755.
23
Plains Peanut Festival – Plains
8 AM
Come to President Carter’s hometown of Plains to celebrate the town’s biggest event of the year. Enjoy the road race; the 11 a.m. downtown parade; arts and crafts in Maxine Reese Park; kids games downtown; in addition to activities in the Plains Community Center, thanks to the numerous sponsors.
For more information, call 229-928-4825.
23
Plains, Trains and Bike Chains – Countywide
TIME TBD
Register early for this Sumter Cycling event and save $10 for a limited time by using discount code “PLAINSPEANUT.” Ride your bicycle 45 miles to President Carter’s hometown from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear or 14 miles from the Jackson Street Depot in Americus, and enjoy the Plains Peanut Festival. You then can catch the SAM Shortline excursion train, a shuttle, or your bicycle back.
Details and registration can be found by clicking:
https://www.sumtercycling.org/plains-trains-bike-chains
28
Taste of Sumter – Americus
6 PM-9 PM
If you’re hungry and want to taste-test some of the best vittles in Georgia’s Sumter County, then don’t miss the annual Taste of Sumter, an Americus tradition. You’ll love the variety of some of the best food in the county at this Thursday evening event. Vendor spots are open now!
For more information, call Jennifer at Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
28
Main Street’s 40th Anniversary Celebration – Americus
6 PM-9 PM
Come help Americus Main Street celebrate its 40th anniversary at the Taste of Sumter in downtown! Established in September 1983, Americus Main Street is a state-certified and award-winning program. You are welcome to help the staff mark the anniversary. The Main Street movement has had a significant impact on historic downtown business districts across the country. In Georgia, only a little over 100 cities are program members.
For more information, call 229-924-4411, and ask for Jennifer at Ext. 235 or Qaijuan at Ext. 247.
29
Presenter Series – Karen Mills at Rylander Theatre, Americus
8 PM
The 2023-2024 Presenter Series brought to you by the Friends of the Rylander Theatre presents comedian Karen Mills on this Friday evening. The show takes place at the Rylander, 310 W. Lamar St. Memberships can be purchased online at www.Rylander.org or through the box office.
For more information, call the box office at 229-931-0001, or write Friends of the Rylander Theatre, P.O. Box 864, Americus, GA 31709.
30
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
For a fun Saturday ride to President Carter’s hometown of Plains, hop aboard the SAM Shortline train for this 10 a.m. departure from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The ride includes a flag stop in Americus, and arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. For more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755.
30
Hands of a Warrior Purple Porch Project – Andersonville
8 PM
During a candlelight ceremony featuring special guest Sumter County Sheriff Eric Bryant, the Sheppard Pride Community Center in Andersonville officially will light up downtown Andersonville in purple lighting for the first annual Hands of a Warrior Purple Porch Project. The event takes place at 8 p.m. at Easterlin’s Bandstand. The event is open to the public.
For more information, contact city clerk Teresa Owens at 229-924-2068, or visit andersonville@bellsouth.net.
OCTOBER 2023
1
Happy 99th Birthday President Carter!
1
Haunted History Tour – Americus
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center brings back its favorite tour – the Haunted History Tour – 11 nights during the month of October. The first tour kicks off on this Sunday night. The walking tour generally lasts one hour-plus, and tickets sell quickly. Call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 to reserve your spot. Space is limited. Visit the oldest cemetery in Americus; the site of a lynching more than a century ago; the Rylander Theatre; the historic Windsor Hotel; and other spots.
For more information, come inside the Visitor Center at 101 W. Lamar St., right beside the Windsor Hotel.
3
Haunted History Tour – Americus
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center offers its favorite tour on this Tuesday night. The walking tour generally lasts one hour-plus, and tickets sell quickly. Call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 to reserve your spot as space is limited. Visit the oldest cemetery in Americus; the site of a lynching more than a century ago; the Rylander Theatre; the historic Windsor Hotel; and other spots.
For more information, come inside the Visitor Center at 101 W. Lamar St.
6
First Friday Americus – ‘Mission Pink’
5 PM-8 PM
First Friday’s October theme is “Mission Pink” in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to bring awareness of the disease. Downtown stores will stay open late until 8 p.m. and free trolleys will be available across downtown, as usual.
For more information, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247.
6
SAM Shortline train ride – Plains Express
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train for this ride to President Carter’s hometown of Plains. The train departs at 10 a.m. from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. It arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover. For more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or 877-427-2457 or visitwww.samshortline.com.
7-8
Andersonville Encampment – Andersonville
10 AM-5 PM
Step back in time and enjoy history at the Andersonville Encampment in the Civil War Village of Andersonville. The event takes place the first full weekend in October each year and begins at 10 a.m. Mock Civil War battles are scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday with hundreds of Confederate and Union encampments. Blacksmithing and basket weaving are part of the activities. Food trucks will be on hand, as well as arts, crafts, antiques, and collectibles for shoppers. The event, formerly known as the Andersonville Historic Fair, has been held for more than 40 years and is one of the region’s most favorite events.
For more information, call 229-924-2558 or email www.andersonvillegeorgia.info.
7, 14
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9:30 AM
Take a fun Saturday trip across Sumter County and enjoy layovers in Americus and Plains on this Sumter Explorer SAM Shortline train ride. Boarding begins at 9 a.m. and departs at 9:30 a.m. from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The train arrives in Americus at 10:45 a.m. for a 1-hour, 45-minute layover before departing at 12:30 p.m. for Plains. In Americus on Oct. 14 only, you can enjoy an abbreviated tour of the Windsor Hotel reserved for train passengers only. For information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or 877-427-2457, or visit www.samshortline.com. Special $1 tickets for the Oct. 14 tour are available inside the Americus Visitor Center, 101 W. Lamar St., or by calling 229-928-6059.
12
Haunted History Tour – Americus
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center offers its favorite tour on this Thursday night. The walking tour generally lasts one hour-plus, and tickets sell quickly. Call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 to reserve your spot as space is limited. Visit the oldest cemetery in Americus; the site of a lynching more than a century ago; the Rylander Theatre; the historic Windsor Hotel; and other spots.
For more information, come inside the Visitor Center at 101 W. Lamar St.
13
Haunted History Tour – Americus
7:30 PM
Friday the 13th? The Americus Visitor Center offers its favorite tour on this Friday night. The walking tour generally lasts one hour-plus, and tickets sell quickly. Call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 to reserve your spot as space is limited. Visit the oldest cemetery in Americus; the site of a lynching more than a century ago; the Rylander Theatre; the historic Windsor Hotel; and other spots.
For more information, come inside the Visitor Center at 101 W. Lamar St.
13-14
GSW Homecoming & Family Weekend – Americus
ALL DAY
Join Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus as the school celebrates GSW and cheer on the Hurricanes with a weekend of festivities. Events include a football, cheer and band reunion; Alumni Association 5K and Fun Run; and tailgate and soccer games. For more information, call 229-928-4116 or email Chelsea.collins@gsw.edu, or visit gsw.edu/Homecoming for the full schedule.
14
Fall at the Market – Americus
8 AM-NOON
Visit Lenny’s Market on Hampton Street in Americus to celebrate all things fall. Kickoff is the usual 8 a.m. and the event runs until noon. For more information, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247.
14
David Phelps – First Methodist Church, Americus
7 PM
“After The Downbeat With David Phelps,” Christian vocalist, songwriter and producer, will be held at First Methodist Church in Americus on this Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.fmcamericus.org/events.
For more information, go towww.davidphelps.com or visit the church at 200 S. Lee St., or call 229-924-3169.
14
Haunted History Tour – Americus
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center offers its favorite tour on this Saturday night. The walking tour generally lasts one hour-plus, and tickets sell quickly. Call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 to reserve your spot as space is limited. Visit the oldest cemetery in Americus; the site of a lynching more than a century ago; the Rylander Theatre; the historic Windsor Hotel; and other spots.
For more information, come inside the Visitor Center at 101 W. Lamar St.
16
Haunted History Tour – Americus
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center offers its favorite tour on this Monday night. The walking tour generally lasts one hour-plus, and tickets sell quickly. Call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 to reserve your spot as space is limited. Visit the oldest cemetery in Americus; the site of a lynching more than a century ago; the Rylander Theatre; the historic Windsor Hotel; and other spots.
For more information, come inside the Visitor Center at 101 W. Lamar St.
18
Haunted History Tour – Americus
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center offers its favorite tour on this Wednesday evening. The walking tour generally lasts one hour-plus, and tickets sell quickly. Call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 to reserve your spot as space is limited. Visit the oldest cemetery in Americus; the site of a lynching more than a century ago; the Rylander Theatre; the historic Windsor Hotel; and other spots.
For more information, come inside the Visitor Center at 101 W. Lamar St.
21
Americus Music Fest – Americus
10 AM-11 PM
Nearly a dozen musicians of all genres from rock to country to hip hop to soul to jazz to blues will be back for the second annual Americus Music Fest at the Americus Train Depot on Jackson Street. Live performances, food trucks, art, vendors, a kid zone, and SAM Shortline train rides to Plains will be part of the fun. It’s all free! New this year, the Americus Arts Council will host the Arts Fest down Finn Street. The event kicks off at 10 a.m.
If interested in becoming a vendor, contact sshort@americusga.gov
or call 229-928-6059 or 229-924-4411, Ext. 254.
24
Haunted History Tour – Americus
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center offers its favorite tour on this Tuesday night. The walking tour generally lasts one hour-plus, and tickets sell quickly. Call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 to reserve your spot as space is limited. Visit the oldest cemetery in Americus; the site of a lynching more than a century ago; the Rylander Theatre; the historic Windsor Hotel; and other spots.
For more information, come inside the Visitor Center at 101 W. Lamar St.
26
Downtown Trick-or-Treat – Americus
5 PM-7 PM
Bring the kids who love Halloween to downtown Americus for the annual Trick-or-Treat event, which typically follows the Kiwanis Pet Parade, a community favorite. Hours are 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on this Thursday night. Small children should be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 228-924-4411, Ext. 247 or 235.
27
Haunted History Tour – Americus
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center offers its favorite tour on this Friday night. The walking tour generally lasts one hour-plus, and tickets sell quickly. Call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 to reserve your spot as space is limited. Visit the oldest cemetery in Americus; the site of a lynching more than a century ago; the Rylander Theatre; the historic Windsor Hotel; and other spots.
For more information, come inside the Visitor Center at 101 W. Lamar St.
30
Haunted History Tour – Americus
7:30 PM
The Americus Visitor Center offers its favorite tour on this Monday night. The walking tour generally lasts one hour-plus, and tickets sell quickly. Call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 to reserve your spot as space is limited. Visit the oldest cemetery in Americus; the site of a lynching more than a century ago; the Rylander Theatre; the historic Windsor Hotel; and other spots.
For more information, come inside the Visitor Center at 101 W. Lamar St.
31
Haunted History Tour – Americus
7:30 PM
Love a spooky Halloween Night? The Americus Visitor Center will offer its final Halloween season tour on this Tuesday night. The walking tour generally lasts one hour-plus, and tickets sell quickly. Call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 to reserve your spot. Space will be limited. Visit the oldest cemetery in Americus; the site of a lynching more than a century ago; the Rylander Theatre; the historic Windsor Hotel; and other spots.
For more information, come inside the Visitor Center at 101 W. Lamar St.
NOVEMBER 2023
3
First Friday Americus
5 PM-8 PM
The topic for this month’s First Friday is “Flashback Friday.” Businesses will celebrate eras in different ways. The Vintage Vixens will perform at Rylander Park. Come downtown beginning at 5 p.m. as shops, including the Americus Visitor Center, will be open late. The Americus Trolley will be offering free rides across downtown.
For more information on this and all other First Fridays, contact Jennifer at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
3
Presenter Series – Wilson-Fairchild at Rylander Theatre, Americus
8 PM
The 2023-2024 Presenter Series brought to you by the Friends of the Rylander Theatre presents country duo Wilson-Fairchild on this Friday evening. The show takes place at the Rylander, 310 W. Lamar St. Memberships can be purchased online at www.Rylander.org or through the box office.
For more information, call the box office at 229-931-0001, or write Friends of the Rylander Theatre, P.O. Box 864, Americus, GA 31709.
3, 17
SAM Shortline train ride – Plains Express
10 AM
Enjoy a ride to Plains aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train and indulge yourself in the famous Peanut Butter ice cream and all things presidential on this Friday trip. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. and departs at 10 a.m. from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear, with arrival in Plains at 11:45 a.m. The layover is two hours. Passengers may board the train in Americus at the Jackson Street Depot. However, this is a flag stop only.
For tickets or more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or 877-427-2457.
4
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. with departure at 10 a.m. for this SAM Shortline excursion trip to Plains. The train departs at 10 a.m. from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear and arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. The trip includes a 40-minute excursion to Archery and the boyhood farm of former President Carter. The train will return to Georgia Veterans State Park at 4:30 p.m.
For tickets or more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or 877-427-2457.
12
Capt. Henry Wirz Memorial Service – Andersonville
2 PM
The 47th annual Capt. Henry Wirz Memorial Service will be held in the town of Andersonville on this Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. The guest speaker will be Compatriot Pastor John Weaver. In case of very cold weather or rain, the service will be held up the street from the Wirz Monument in Village Hall. The public is invited to attend. The annual Memorial Service is sponsored by the Alexander H. Stephens Camp 78, Sons of Confederate Veterans in Americus.
For more information, call 229-924-2558 or 229-924-2068.
16
Christmas Open House – Americus
5 PM-8 PM
Santa Claus will appear and be the highlight of the annual Christmas Open House again in downtown Americus! Come early on this Thursday to enjoy all the specials and get set for the Christmas holidays. For more information, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247.
23
Happy Thanksgiving!
24-25
Small Business Weekend – Americus
ALL DAY
Kick off Black Friday with Small Business Weekend on the two days following Thanksgiving in downtown Americus. Find bargains that will make your Christmas merrier! Many stores will be offering special sales.
For more information, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247.
25
SAM Shortline train ride – Plains Christmas Lighting
4 PM
This special excursion train ride to Plains helps kick off the holidays with the Christmas Lighting on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Boarding begins at 3:30 p.m. and the train departs from Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear at 4 p.m. It will arrive in Plains at 5:45 p.m. for a two-hour layover where you can explore the town and the holiday activities.
For tickets or more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or 877-427-2457.
DECEMBER 2023
1
First Friday Americus
5 PM-8 PM
“Home For the Holidays” is the theme for this month’s First Friday. Enjoy all the shops decorated in their Christmas finery and enjoy free trolley rides across downtown. It’s one of the favorite First Fridays of the year!
For more information, call Jennifer at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
2
Hope Loud 2023 – Rylander Theatre, Americus
6:30 PM
Seat reservations are now open for Hands of Hope Pregnancy Resource Center’s Hope Loud Christmas Concert featuring Sean Curran. Curran is a worship leader and songwriter from Passion City Church. He is a writer on songs such as “Worthy Of Your Name” and “Glorious Day.” The event takes place at the historic Rylander Theatre, 310 W. Lamar St. in Americus. General admission is free. To reserve your seat, call 229-928-2802 or visit www.americuspregnancy.org/hopeloud or go to the Hands of Hope Facebook page. Santa will join in for the special Christmas event along with Blanchard Photography of Americus. Additional information is available by calling 229-931-0001 or going to www.Americuspregnancy.org/hopeloudgroupreservation.
7
Annual Christmas Parade – Americus
7 PM
Dozens of entrants including high school bands, floats, dancers and Santa Claus will fill the streets of downtown Americus for this annual parade. Nearly 70 units appeared in 2022 and more are expected to take part this year.
For information, call Jennifer at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
19
Presenter Series – Fabulous Equinox Orchestra at Rylander Theatre, Americus
7 PM
The 2023-2024 Presenter Series brought to you by the Friends of the Rylander Theatre presents Jingle Bell Jazz with the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra on this Tuesday evening. The show takes place at the Rylander, 310 W. Lamar St., and begins at 7 p.m. Memberships can be purchased online at www.Rylander.org or through the box office.
For more information, call the box office at 229-931-0001, or write Friends of the Rylander Theatre, P.O. Box 864, Americus, GA 31709.
25
Merry Christmas!
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