Ice cream lovers and rail fans have a sweet treat waiting for them today as the City of Summerville hosts its annual Chill & Churn Homemade Ice Cream Contest and Dairy Day at the Summerville Train Depot.
Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation will host the 2026 Independence Day Extravaganza on Saturday, July 4, at Ridge Ferry Park, celebrating 250 years of American independence.
The event, sponsored by Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, begins at 3 PM and will feature family activities, games, water inflatables, food trucks and concessions. Inflatable wristbands will be available for $5.
Live music will be featured on the Coca-Cola stage, including a performance by Makenzie Phipps, a contestant from Season 28 of The Voice.
The evening will conclude with one of the largest fireworks shows in Northwest Georgia at approximately 9:30 PM above Jackson Hill. The fireworks display, produced by Pyrotecnico, will include more than 1,500 fireworks in a red, white and blue celebration.
Parking for the event is $5 and card only. Parking will be available in the main park and Shoals parking lots, and attendees are asked to follow staff directions.
Guests are reminded that large coolers, pets, drones, fires and sparklers are not permitted in Ridge Ferry Park.
For more information, visit rfpra.com.
Ice cream lovers, train enthusiasts, and families are invited to the Summerville Depot on Saturday, June 20, for the 2026 Chill & Churn Homemade Ice Cream Contest and Dairy Day at the Depot celebration.
The Chattooga County Library will host a special program featuring the Chattooga Beekeepers Association on Thursday, June 18, at 11 a.m.
The event will be held at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville, and is open to the public.
According to event organizers, the program is being presented in recognition of National Pollinator Week, which is observed June 22–28. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the important role pollinators play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting agriculture.
Members of the Chattooga Beekeepers Association are expected to provide hands-on information about honey bees and their impact on the environment. The program is designed to increase awareness of pollinators and offer educational opportunities for community members of all ages.
The event is hosted by the Sara Hightower Regional Library System and the Chattooga County Library.
The 5th Annual Chattooga River Fest is happening today in Trion.
The event, presented by the Family Crisis Center, will be held from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. today, Saturday, June 13, at the Trion Recreation Area, located at 90 Dalton Street in Trion.
The family-friendly festival will feature free parking and free admission, along with a free kayak paddle on the river, a free KidZone, open mic performances, educational demonstrations and talks, festival food, exhibitors, and more.
A cornhole tournament will also be part of the day’s activities, with registration and fees required for tournament participants and vendors.
The Chattooga River Group will have kayak raffle tickets and merchandise available for purchase at the CRG tent.
The day will wrap up with The Band Chickamauga performing from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Families in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to get up close to a variety of emergency, utility, and service vehicles today during the City of Summerville’s Touch A Truck event.
The sensory-friendly event is scheduled for 10 a.m. until noon today, Saturday, June 13, on East Washington Street in downtown Summerville. Organizers say the event is designed specifically with the special needs community in mind while remaining open and welcoming to everyone.
Children and families will have the chance to climb aboard, explore, and learn about police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, bucket trucks, tow trucks, tractors, and other specialized equipment used throughout the community.
Participants will also have an opportunity to meet local first responders, public safety officials, and community exhibitors, including representatives from the Summerville Police Department, Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, fire services, EMS, public works, and other local organizations.
Free Kona Ice will be available during the event, courtesy of United Community Bank and Southeast First National Bank.
Organizers say the event will feature a reduced-noise environment, hands-on exploration, and a supportive atmosphere designed to make the experience enjoyable for all ages and abilities.
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.
A special community event focused on supporting individuals with special needs and connecting families with valuable resources is coming to Summerville later this month.
Spark Day will be held on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dowdy Park.
Organizers say the event is designed to bring together the special needs community, local service providers, entrepreneurs, and families for a day of fun, fellowship, and information sharing.
Activities will include a foam party, free food, vendors, and opportunities to learn about available medical, respite, and community services. Attendees will also have the chance to meet special-needs entrepreneurs and browse a variety of vendor offerings.
According to promotional materials, free nachos will be available, and visitors can enjoy art, baked goods, coffee, jewelry, T-shirts, and a community resource meet-and-greet.
Organizers encourage families, caregivers, and community members to attend and show their support while learning more about resources available for individuals with special needs in the region.
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.
A day of cowboy adventures, family activities, shopping, and railroad history is happening today in downtown Summerville as Summerville Main Street hosts its annual Wild West celebration at the Historic Summerville Depot.