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!

MARCH 2024

29
Good Friday @ GSW – Americus
7:30 PM
Georgia Southwestern State University students are invited to Good Friday @ GSW on March 29, the Friday before Easter. The event is open to all and takes place on the Sanford Hall porch and lawn. There will be a raffle, live music, prayer and message. The event is being run by The Well Church, InterVarsity and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Foodie-Pops will be available and free popsicles will be given to every student while supplies last. A 10-foot large inflatable soccer darts board will be offered at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting. Good Friday marks the day when wrath and mercy met at the cross.
For more information, call John Schroeder at 229-364-6303.

30
Oak Grove Cemetery Tour – Americus
1 PM
Tour historic Oak Grove Cemetery on Rees Street and hear the life stories of some of Americus’ most notable residents, including Charles  H. Wheatley; Charles F. Crisp; and Wright Brady, Sr., one of the founders of Americus nearly 200 years ago. Also see the graves of the great-grandparents of former President Jimmy Carter. The walking tour generally lasts one hour. Purchase tickets at the Americus Visitor Center in advance, or get a ticket the day of the tour, cash or check only. Cost is $10. Guests should meet at the flagpole by the Oak Grove sign on Lamar Street.
For more information, call 229-928-6059.

31
Easter Sunrise Service – Plains
7 AM
Join the Plains community at Plains Baptist Church as the Rev. R.T. Beverly of Plains Methodist Church brings a message about the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at this Easter Sunrise Service. The service takes place on the front steps of Plains Baptist. The public is invited to give thanks to the Lord and join in afterwards for breakfast in the Fellowship Hall.
For more information, call 229-206-2949.

31
Happy Easter!


APRIL 2024

2
GSW Chamber Concert Series – Americus
7:30 PM
Visit Georgia Southwestern State University for the 2023-2024 Chamber Concert Series performance by pianist Anna Bogolubova. The performance takes place at Jackson Performance Hall on the GSW campus.
For more information, contact Chelsea Collins at 229-928-4116 or Chelsea.Collins@gsw.edu.

3-7
Wings Over America – Annual Extreme Flight Fly-In – Andersonville
9 Am-6 PM
Visit Hodges Field at 428 Neil Hodges Road south of Andersonville for the annual Wings Over America – Annual Extreme Flight Fly-In. The event runs Wednesday through Sunday and hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hodges Field is one of the premier RC and general aviation venues in the Southeast.
For information, contact Jeremy Jackson at 470-514-0770 or email jnjackson@gmail.com.

5
First Friday Americus
5 PM-8 PM
The theme for this month’s First Friday is “Downtown Bar Fight.” Ride the Americus Trolley for free across town and enjoy the scene. For more information, call the Americus Main Street office at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or visit www.downtownamericus.com. The Americus Visitor Center will not be open, but staff will offer special Americus Haunted History Tours.
For details, call the Visitor Center at 229-928-6059.

6
Boy Scout Troop 21 Annual Yard Sale – Americus
7 AM- 2 PM
Boy Scout Troop 21 in Americus will have its annual yard sale – one of the area’s largest – on the first Saturday of the month beginning at 7 a.m. The one-day only sale takes place at the Sumter County Fairgrounds on Highway 30. All proceeds directly benefit local BSA Troop 21.
For more information or to donate items, call 229-938-3745.

6
SAM Shortline train ride – Wine & Cheese Train
1:30 PM, 4 PM
Depart from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear for an hour-and-a-half round trip train ride at two different times, 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. The cost is $89.99 per person and includes a souvenir wine glass. The wine will be provided by Paulk Vineyards. The trip is for adult only – ages 21 and older. ID’s will be checked at will call. Tickets must be bought in advance.
For more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com

6
Americus Hot Glass Craft Beer Festival – Americus
2 PM-6 PM
Every year this event keeps getting better and better! Downtown Americus will be filled with craft beer enthusiasts and glass blowing artists from across the country for this festival, now in its seventh year.
For more information, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or Ext. 247, or visit www.downtownamericus.com.

12
‘Sisters Act Out!’ show – Americus
7 PM
The Fuller Center for Housing in Americus presents “Sisters Act Out!,” a hilarious musical comedy act featuring sisters “of a certain age.” The Friday evening performance includes original songs and familiar favorites. It takes place at the Clarence Jordan Center, 601 W. Church St. in Americus. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 but those 12 and under get in free. You can order by scanning the QR code on flyers throughout town. Tickets also will be available at the door, or by calling 912-924-2900. All proceeds benefit the Fuller Center for Housing.

13
Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Tournament – Americus
8:30 AM
The Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Tournament will be held at Griffin Bell Golf Course on this Saturday. Participants should register their team by April 6. One golfer pays half price. There will be a $5,000 putting contest where one golfer will have a chance to make a 60-foot putt for that prize! The format is a four player scramble. Each player’s tee shot must be used twice. The cost is $60 per player with lunch and drinks provided. Participants can pay the morning of the tournament with cash or check. Mulligans are available for $5 each, limit two per golfer. Hole sponsorships are available. Team prizes and individual prizes will be presented.
To register your team, email Ron Akerman atKofC7113CharityGolfTournament@gmail.com or call 229-942-1653, or call the golf course at 229-924-2914.  

13
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9 AM
Boarding begins at 9 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear for this fun Saturday trip with stops in Americus and Plains. The train departs at 9:30 a.m. and will have a flag stop only in Americus at 10:45 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a 1½-hour layover. The train arrives back in Americus at 1:15 p.m. for a 1-hour, 45-minute layover. Special abbreviated tours of the Windsor Hotel will be offered for train passengers only. The train arrives back at Georgia Veterans State Park at 4:15 p.m.
For tickets on this or all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or 877-427-2457 or visit www.samshortline.com.

13
Big Marsh Fun Run & 5K – Americus
8:30 AM, 9 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM
This annual event at Southland Academy in Americus will take place on the second Saturday of April. Guests and their families are invited to come and enjoy a morning with the Southland family as the school honors the late husband of Susan Welsh, Marshall Welch, a big Southland promoter. Susan Welch encourages everyone to help her cheer on (something she does very well!) the runners as they cross the finish line to honor Marshall’s legacy. Runners, joggers, walkers and individuals of all ages and athletic abilities are welcome to participate. You can sign up at the following link: https://www.givesignup.org/…/Americus/BigMarsh5kandFunRun. Early registration through March 31 is $25. From April 1 through race day, registration is $31.50. T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered runners. Cash prizes will be awarded. Proceeds will help fund the Southland Academy General Scholarship.
For more information, call Southland at 229-924-4406.

18
Jason Crabb in Concert – Americus
7 PM
Get your tickets early for Christian music singer and musician Jason Crabb, live in concert at First Methodist Church of Americus. Special guest Mickey Bell also will appear. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $30 for Artist Circle (includes meet & greet with Jason). Tickets are available in the church office on South Lee Street or by going to www.fmcamericus.org/events.
For more information, call 229-924-3169.

20
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9 AM
Boarding begins at 9 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear for this fun Saturday trip with stops in Americus and Plains. The train departs at 9:30 a.m. and will have a flag stop only in Americus at 10:45 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a 1½-hour layover. The train arrives back in Americus at 1:15 p.m. for a 1-hour, 45-minute layover. Special abbreviated tours of the Windsor Hotel will be offered for train passengers only. The train arrives back at Georgia Veterans State Park at 4:15 p.m.
For tickets on this or all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or 877-427-2457 or visit www.samshortline.com.

20
‘Casino Night’ Spring Fundraiser – Americus
7 PM-10 PM
The Americus Junior Service League will present its spring fundraiser “Casino Night” on this Saturday beginning at 7 p.m. The three-hour event takes place at Wolf Creek Plantation. There will be food and a cash bar. Casino games include Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Texas Hold’em. Guests should wear cocktail attire. All proceeds will be used to give back to the community. You can scan tickets on the Americus Junior Service League’s Facebook page or by contacting Kelsey Skipper at kelseyskipper1996@gmail.com. Door prizes will be given.

21
100 Women of Gold – Plains
3 PM-6 PM
Elevate your spirits and ignite your passion at the second annual 100 Women of Gold event in Plains. The Sunday event, conducted by Wright Networking for Hometown Heroes, begins at 3 p.m. at the Plains Community Center in downtown Plains. Ticket prices are $25 per person and are on sale now. Limited seating is available.
For more information, go to WNFHH@hotmail.com or visit the Wright Networking for Hometown Heroes Facebook page.

28 – MAY 4
National Small Business Week – Americus
TIMES VARY
Shop in downtown Americus and support small businesses on this Sunday and all week through Saturday, May 4.
For more information on National Small Business Week, contact the Americus Main Street office at 229-924-4411, Ext. 247 or 235.


MAY 2024

3
First Friday Americus – ‘Multicultural May’
5 PM-8 PM
Visit downtown Americus beginning at 5 p.m. for First Friday. The theme for the month is “Multicultural May.” The Americus Visitor Center will be open to celebrate. Remember the free trolley rides aboard the Americus Trolley. Stops will be made across town at participating businesses.
For more information on this and all other First Fridays, call the Americus Main Street office at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247.

3
2024 Symposium & Native Plant Sale – Plains
8:30 AM-1 PM
The Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail’s annual Symposium & Native Plant Sale will take place in Plains on the first Friday of May.  The spring symposium is entitled  “A Tribute to Rosalynn Carter and her love of flowers and pollinators.” Symposium speakers will be Dr. Jaap de Roode of Emory University in Atlanta; Lauren Goble of Georgia Farm Bureau; Tom Johnson, vice president of the Azalea Society of America; and Amy Heidt of the Coastal Plain chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society. Symposium details and registration information are listed at www.rosalynncarterbutterflytrail.org. Seating will be limited in the Plains Community Center so guests should book early.
For other information, call 229-824-4567.

4
‘Prison to Peanuts’ bike ride – Countywide
7 AM
Join Sumter Cycling for this “Prison to Peanuts” bicycle ride on Saturday at 7 a.m. Riders should meet at Lenny’s Farmers Market on Hampton Street in downtown Americus.
For more information on this bicycle adventure, go to www.prisontopeanuts.com or contact John Morgan at RVRC or email sumtercycling2020@gmail.com.   

4
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train for a trip to Plains on this Presidential Flyer. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear and departs at 10 a.m. with a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover before departing for Archery and the Carter Boyhood Farm. The train arrives at the Boyhood Farm at 11:55 a.m. for a 40-minute layover. The train arrives back at its originating point at 4:30 p.m.
For tickets on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or visit www.samshortline.com.

11
Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale – Americus
10 AM-2 PM
Come to downtown Americus this Saturday and take advantage  of special sales at several locations, a day ahead of Mother’s Day on May 12. The sale begins at 10 a.m. For details, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235, or visit www.downtownamericus.com.

11
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train for a trip to Plains on this Presidential Flyer. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear and departs at 10 a.m. with a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover before departing for Archery and the Carter Boyhood Farm. The train arrives at the Boyhood Farm at 11:55 a.m. for a 40-minute layover. The train arrives back at its originating point at 4:30 p.m.
For tickets on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or visit www.samshortline.com.

17
Avenue of Flags – Andersonville
9 AM-4:30 PM
Andersonville National Historic Site will install its spectacular Avenue of Flags for the Memorial Day holiday and early summer. Flag placing is limited to 300 volunteers. Volunteers should sign up for all park events beforehand. Placement begins at 9 a.m. along National Cemetery Road and runs until 4:30 p.m. on this Friday.
For more information, call 229-924-0343 or 229-931-7222 or visithttps://www.nps.gov/ande/index.htm. For events in the Civil War Village of Andersonville, call Cynthia at the Andersonville Welcome Center at 229-924-2558 or visit https://www.andersonvillegeorgia.com.

18
Carter Presidential Auction – Plains
TBA
Save the date now for the annual Carter Presidential Auction in President Carter’s hometown of Plains. The event takes place on the third Saturday of the month. Please consider offering suggestions, donating auction items and being a financial sponsor.
For details, contact Kim C. Fuller at 229-928-4825 or email friendsofjimmycarter@outlook.com.

18, 25
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train for a trip to Plains on this Presidential Flyer. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear and departs at 10 a.m. with a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover before departing for Archery and the Carter Boyhood Farm. The train arrives at the Boyhood Farm at 11:55 a.m. for a 40-minute layover. The train arrives back at its originating point at 4:30 p.m.
For tickets on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or visit www.samshortline.com.

25-28
Memorial Day – Andersonville
9 AM – VARIOUS TIMES
Several events take place on the grounds of Andersonville National Historic Site to commemorate Memorial Day. On Saturday, May 25, flag placement takes place from 9 a.m. to noon with lunch provided by Dixie Crows. On Sunday, May 26 a Memorial Day ceremony will take place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. On May 27, a Knights of Columbus Mass takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and on May 28, a flag pick up in the National Cemetery begins at 9 a.m. and runs until noon.
For information on Memorial Day events in the Civil War Village of Andersonville, call Cynthia at 229-924-2558 or visithttps://www.andersonvillegeorgia.com/.


JUNE 2024

8
Paint the Town Blue Gala – Americus
6 PM
Don’t miss your chance to be part of history at the Smarr Smith Foundation’s seventh annual Paint the Town Blue Gala. The Saturday event takes place at the Storm Dome on the Georgia Southwestern State University campus. It is held in memory of Nick Smarr and Jody Smith, two local police officers who were killed in December 2016, and as a fundraiser for local law enforcement. Tables and tickets are selling fast and once they are gone, that’s it until 2025! Reserve your table at www.smarrsmithfoundation.com.
For more information, contact the Americus Police Department at 229-924-6450.

9
Downtown Beach Party – Americus
NOON-8 PM
Downtown Americus’ Rylander Park will be the site of one of the area’s most fun summertime events. The Downtown Beach Party will begin at noon and run until 8 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month. Enjoy the musical entertainment and have fun playing in the sand! The Food Truck Fest runs simultaneously.
For more information, call 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247 or visit www.downtownamericus.com.

9
Food Truck Fest – Americus
NOON- 8 PM
Whet your appetite for some great vittles at the Food Truck Fest, which coincides with the Downtown Beach Party on the second Sunday of the month. More than a dozen food trucks are expected and will be lined up across from Lenny’s Market.
For more information, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 247 or 235.

29
Plains, Trains & Fireworks – Plains
6 PM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline at Lake Blackshear for a trip to Plains to view the best fireworks show in Sumter County! The spectacle begins at sundown, always on the Saturday before the Fourth of July. Get your tickets early as the train fills quickly and seats are limited.
For more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com, or call Kim Fuller at Friends of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park at 229-928-4825.


JULY 2024

13
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9:30 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline train for a Sumter Explorer ride to Americus and Plains on this summertime Saturday. 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 for train passengers only. Call 229-928-6059 for details.
For tickets or more information on this and all other SAM Shortline rides, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.  

20
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
9:30 AM
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 visit www.samshortline.com.  

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.  




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