Summerville Seeking Competitors for Hot Dog Eating Contest at Independence Festival

Think you have what it takes to be the top hot dog eater in Chattooga County?

The City of Summerville is looking for contestants to take part in a Hot Dog Eating Contest during the 2026 Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks celebration.

The contest will be held Thursday, July 2, at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center as part of Summerville’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Organizers are encouraging residents who enjoy friendly competition and community fun to sign up and test their eating skills in front of a crowd during the festival.

The Celebrate Independence Festival will feature activities, entertainment, and fireworks as the community comes together to commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Additional details about contest registration and festival activities are expected to be announced by the City of Summerville.

Chattooga Athletic Booster Club Golf Tournament Set for June 20

The Chattooga Athletic Booster Club is gearing up for its fifth annual golf tournament, with proceeds benefiting athletic programs at Chattooga High School.

The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at the Trion Golf Course. The event will feature a four-man scramble format with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.

Registration is $320 per team, and Mulligans will be available for purchase separately.

Participants will enjoy lunch, compete for cash prizes, and have an opportunity to win a pellet grill through a raffle that will be available during registration.

Local businesses and community supporters can also help support Chattooga High School athletics by purchasing $100 hole sponsorships.

Organizers say proceeds from the tournament will go directly toward supporting athletic programs at Chattooga High School.

Summerville Depot to Host Homemade Ice Cream Contest During June 20 Event

Homemade ice cream makers will have an opportunity to put their recipes to the test later this month during the Chill & Churn Homemade Ice Cream Contest at the Summerville Depot.

The contest will take place on Saturday, June 20, from 11:45 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., with judging beginning at 12:45 p.m. Organizers are inviting individuals and groups to compete for cash prizes and bragging rights as the maker of the best homemade ice cream in town.

Contestants may enter one flavor and must pre-register by June 15. Setup begins at 10:30 a.m., with ice cream churning scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m. Participants must provide their own ingredients, supplies, and electrical cords if needed.

Judges will evaluate entries based on flavor, body, texture, and overall appearance. The winning recipe will receive a $500 cash prize and a People’s Choice Award plaque. Second place will receive $250, while third place will be awarded $100.

Visitors attending the event will have the opportunity to sample the ice cream entries by purchasing a wristband and voting for their favorite flavor in the People’s Choice competition. Organizers say all proceeds from voting and wristband sales will benefit Main Street Summerville.

For more information or to register, contact Main Street Summerville before the June 15 deadline.

Community Yard Sale & BBQ Fundraiser Set for June 12-13 in Summerville

Local residents will have an opportunity to enjoy great food, shop for bargains, and support a worthy cause during a Community Yard Sale and BBQ Fundraiser benefiting foster children and families in Chattooga County.

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Lyerly Fire Department Plans Fundraiser To Support Back-To-School Bash

The Lyerly Fire Department is asking for community support as it prepares for its annual Back-to-School Bash, which provides free school supplies and book bags to local students.

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Hosting Turtle Hike June 6

Nature lovers of all ages are invited to lace up their hiking shoes and head to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this weekend for a guided Turtle Hike.

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Chattooga Early Head Start Accepting Applications For Upcoming School Year

Families in Chattooga County are encouraged to apply now as Chattooga Early Head Start begins accepting applications for the upcoming school year.

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WZQZ Pet of the Week: Meet Thunder

Looking for a loyal companion with a gentle personality? Meet Thunder, this week’s featured pet from the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

Thunder is a male dog who is described as loving, calm, and very laid back. Shelter staff say he gets along well with other dogs and would make a wonderful addition to a family looking for a friendly, easygoing pet.

Thunder is available for adoption now through the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville.

The adoption fee is just $25.

For more information about Thunder or other pets available for adoption, call the shelter at 706-857-0679.

Chattooga River Fest Returns To Trion June 13

The Chattooga River Group will host its 5th Annual Chattooga River Fest on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Trion Recreation Area in Trion. The event will run from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and is free for the public to attend.

Presented by the Family Crisis Center, the festival celebrates the Chattooga River and outdoor recreation while offering a full day of family-friendly activities, entertainment, food, and educational opportunities.

Festival highlights include a free family-friendly kayak paddle on the river, a free KidZone, an open mic stage, a cornhole tournament, educational demonstrations and talks, exhibitors, and a variety of festival food vendors. Visitors will also have opportunities to purchase kayak raffle tickets and event merchandise at the Chattooga River Group tent.

Live music will cap off the day as The Band Chickamauga takes the stage from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

The event will be held at the Trion Recreation Area, located at the corner of Park Avenue and Dalton Street. Those using GPS should use 90 Dalton Street, Trion, GA 30753. Organizers say both parking and admission are free.

Registration and fees are required for those wishing to participate in the cornhole tournament or as festival vendors.

Additional information is available at ChattoogaRiverGroup.org and on the Chattooga River Group Facebook page.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Announces Summer Junior Ranger Camps

Children ages 6 to 12 will have the opportunity to explore the outdoors and learn valuable nature skills this summer during Junior Ranger Camp at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.

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