Summerville Seeking Food Vendors For 2026 Celebrate Independence Festival

The City of Summerville is now accepting applications for food vendors for the 2026 Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks.

The annual event will be held Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.

City officials say the food vendor application is now available online through the Summerville Parks and Recreation website and will remain open through April 10.

Vendors selected to participate will be notified on April 17. The cost for a 15-by-15 vendor space is $75, and the fee must be paid by June 1.

The Celebrate Independence Festival is one of the community’s biggest summer events, featuring food vendors, family activities, and fireworks.

More information and vendor applications are available at www.summervillerec.org.

Bridge Health To Host 4th Annual Mental Health Candlelight Vigil In Chattooga County

Bridge Health is inviting the community to attend its 4th Annual Mental Health Candlelight Vigil this spring in Chattooga County.

The event will take place Thursday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chattooga County Civic Center. Organizers say the vigil will be an evening focused on community, reflection, and hope while supporting individuals and families on their mental health journey.

Participants will gather to light candles in honor of resilience, promote mental health awareness, and offer encouragement to those facing mental health challenges. Officials say the event is designed to remind people that no one has to face their struggles alone.

The vigil is hosted by Bridge Health with support from the Family Crisis Center and C.A.R.E.S., and community members are encouraged to attend and stand together in support of mental health awareness.

Chattooga River Group to Host Blue Trail Paddle Event in Summerville

The Chattooga River Group is inviting the public to take part in an upcoming Blue Trail paddle event on Lyerly Dam Road in Summerville. The paddle will begin with a mass launch at 10 a.m. and will follow the route from Lyerly Dam Launch to Chattoogaville.

Special guest Shane Kornberg, former manager of the Fish Hatchery in Cohutta and now an Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent with UGA Extension in Whitfield County, will lead discussion during the outing. Organizers say Kornberg will cover topics including river ecology, invasive versus native species, and the benefits of a diverse ecosystem.

Participants will need to bring their own kayak, paddle, life jacket, and snacks, and should also make their own transportation arrangements for after the paddle. Organizers say each participant will be asked to provide an emergency contact and sign a waiver before launching.

Blood Drive Planned at Chattooga County EMA on April 10

Residents in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to help save lives during an upcoming community blood drive hosted at the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in Summerville. The blood drive is scheduled for Friday, April 10, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the EMA facility located at 170 Farrar Drive.

The event is being organized in partnership with Blood Assurance, and officials say a single blood donation can help save up to three lives. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance through bloodassurance.org/schedule, though walk-ins may be accepted if space allows.

In addition, Blood Assurance is offering an incentive for donors. Anyone who donates between April 1 and April 15 will be entered to win a $100 gift card, with one winner selected per community and seven winners total.

Community leaders say blood donations are always needed to help hospitals maintain an adequate supply for patients requiring surgeries, treatments, and emergency care.

Clyde Cox Memorial Antique Tractor Ride Set for May 2 in Walker and Chattooga Counties

The Chickamauga Antique Tractor Club will host its annual Clyde Cox Memorial Antique Tractor Ride on Saturday, May 2, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

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Indoor Community Yard Sale Set for March 7 at Center Post Community Center

Bargain hunters in Northwest Georgia will have a chance to shop local this weekend as the Center Post Community Center hosts an indoor community yard sale on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The sale runs from 8 a.m. until noon and will be held rain or shine since it’s indoors.

The Center Post Community Center is located at 8125 Highway 337 in LaFayette, Georgia, 30728.

Moon Pie Hike Happening Tonight At James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

Looking for something fun to do tonight? James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is hosting a Moon Pie Hike this Saturday, February 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The park says the event features an easy hike around the lower lake, with participants watching the moonrise over the lower dam. Moon Pies and hot cocoa will be available during the evening.

The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required. Registration is required in advance.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight, a blanket to sit on, and wear comfortable shoes. Participants should meet the rangers outside the park office at 6:30 p.m.

To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

Trion Card Night Set for March 11 at Recreation Department

Card collectors and trading card game fans are invited to attend Trion Card Night on March 11, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Trion Recreation Department, located at 90 Dalton Street in Trion.

The event will feature sports cards, including baseball, football, and basketball, as well as TCG cards such as Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering. Tables will be available for reservation for vendors and participants.

For more information or to reserve a table, contact Alex at 706-584-0567.

Blood Drive Happening Today at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion

A community blood drive is happening today (Thursday, February 26, 2026) at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion, giving Chattooga County residents an easy way to help save lives close to home.

Blood Assurance is hosting the drive from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Mount Vernon Mills on 4th Street in Trion. Organizers are encouraging donors to stop by and help keep the local blood supply strong for area patients and hospitals.

Donors who give during Blood Assurance’s special promotion running February 15 through February 28 will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Blood Assurance says there will be one winner selected per community, with seven winners total.

Before donating, Blood Assurance recommends eating a good meal, drinking extra water, avoiding energy drinks, and bringing a valid ID.

Appointments can be scheduled online at www.bloodassurance.org/vernonmills, and walk-ins are typically welcome as space allows.

Annual Vietnam Veterans Lunch Set for March 27 at Chattooga County Memorial Home

The Annual Vietnam Veterans Lunch will be held Friday, March 27, 2026 at 12 noon at the Chattooga County Memorial Home, ahead of National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Organizers say the luncheon will include a brief program honoring those who served during the Vietnam era.

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