Sunset Paddle Set For This Evening At Sloppy Floyd State Park

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer visitors a chance to enjoy the lake as the sun goes down with a special Sunset Paddle this evening.

Park rangers will lead participants on a paddle around the park’s lower lake from 8 until 8:30 p.m. Participants are asked to meet at the park office by 8 p.m.

The cost is $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 park pass is also required, and participants must register in advance.

Those taking part should bring drinking water and wear clothing that can get wet.

To register or get additional information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.

Lauren Alaina and Mark Wills to Headline Labor Day at the Post

Country music stars Lauren Alaina and Mark Wills will headline the 2026 Labor Day at the Post celebration in Fort Oglethorpe on Monday, September 7, with a full day of free entertainment and family activities planned.

The free event will take place from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Barnhardt Circle in Fort Oglethorpe.

Live music begins at 1 p.m. with James Rogers, followed by Shelby Mosteller at 2 p.m., Hiwassee Bend at 3 p.m., Remembering January at 4 p.m., and special guest The Singing Barber, Noah Peters, at 5 p.m. Mark Wills will perform at 6 p.m., with Walker County native and Grand Ole Opry member Lauren Alaina taking the stage at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to the music, the celebration will feature a classic car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with awards at 3:30 p.m., along with food trucks from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., a local vendor market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a free Kids Zone and petting zoo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free, and organizers invite residents from across Northwest Georgia and the Chattanooga area to enjoy a full day of music, food, shopping, classic cars and family-friendly activities.

Chattooga Chamber to Host End of Summer Member Luau

The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is inviting members to celebrate the season during its 5:30 Club — End of the Summer Member Luau on Thursday, August 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The networking event will be held at 10050 Commerce Street in Summerville and offers Chamber members a relaxed opportunity to connect with fellow business professionals in a casual setting.

Guests are encouraged to come as they are or dress in their best tropical attire for a chance to win a prize. Nibbles and spirits will be provided, along with non-alcoholic beverages.

The Chamber’s monthly 5:30 Club is designed to help members build relationships, exchange ideas, and enjoy an evening of fellowship outside the workplace.

For more information, contact the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Hosting Turtle Hike on August 8

Nature lovers will have the opportunity to explore one of Northwest Georgia’s scenic trails while learning about local wildlife during a Turtle Hike at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this Saturday.

The guided hike begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, and will take participants around the park’s Upper Lake Trail, where they’ll learn about the turtles that call the park home.

Participants should meet at the park office by 10 a.m. and are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Binoculars will be available, but visitors who have their own are encouraged to bring them.

The program costs $3 per person, and advance registration is required. A $10 Georgia State Parks ParkPass is also required for vehicles entering the park.

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

Yard Sale In Dowdy Park Begins Tomorrow As Part Of Highway 27 Yard Sale

Dowdy Park will once again serve as a participating site for the annual Highway 27 Yard Sale beginning tomorrow.

The three-day event will run from Thursday, August 6, through Saturday, August 8, and is expected to bring bargain hunters and travelers through Summerville in search of antiques, collectibles, household goods and other secondhand treasures.

The Highway 27 Yard Sale began in Northwest Georgia in the late 1990s as an alternative route for travelers who became lost while attending another large yard sale. Since then, it has grown into a popular regional event that attracts visitors from well beyond its original route.

As part of this year’s sale, Summerville Main Street is sponsoring Yard Sale in the Park at Dowdy Park. Local residents can rent vendor space to sell unwanted items, handmade crafts and other merchandise during the event.

Vendor spaces are available for $5 per space, per day and must be reserved in advance through Summerville City Hall. Spaces will be assigned before setup.

Yard Sale in the Park will be open each day from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Food vendors will also be on-site offering refreshments.

Visitors are encouraged to explore downtown Summerville, where several local businesses will offer sidewalk sales and special promotions during the event.

Admission is free.

Local Scouts Invite Youth To Recruitment Night In Summerville

Families looking for outdoor adventure, leadership opportunities and hands-on learning are invited to attend a Scout Recruitment Night in Summerville next week.

Pack 38 and Troop 7 will host the event on Thursday, August 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Scout Hut, located at 220 Highway 100 in Summerville.

The recruitment night is open to girls and boys from kindergarten through age 16 and their families. No previous Scouting experience is required.

Young people attending the event will be able to participate in a variety of interactive activities, including first aid, orienteering, flag folding, fishing, fire building, knot tying, tent camping skills, animal track and leaf identification, and Leave No Trace outdoor principles. Cool treats will also be available.

Local Scout leaders and current Scouts will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about camping trips, service projects, outdoor activities and leadership development opportunities available through Scouting.

Organizers say the program gives young people an opportunity to learn practical skills, build confidence, make new friends and develop an appreciation for the outdoors.

There is no cost to attend the recruitment night. An annual membership fee applies to youth who decide to join.

More information is available at www.beascout.org.

Vendor Registration Now Open For 2026 Sum Nelly Festival

Vendor registration is now underway for the 2026 Sum Nelly Festival, one of Summerville’s longest-running community traditions.

The festival will be held on Saturday, October 3, beginning at 9 a.m. at Dowdy Park. Organizers are accepting applications through September 30 for a variety of vendor categories.

Food vendors can register for $75, while specialty treats, drinks, and snack vendors—including baked goods, jellies, jams, popcorn, ice cream, specialty beverages, lemonade, and shaved ice—can register for $60.

Arts and crafts vendors may register for $50. This category includes handmade or original products such as jewelry, woodworking, pottery, ceramics, photography, soaps, candles, quilts, leather goods, metal or glass art, custom home décor, and seasonal crafts.

The Sum Nelly Festival has been a beloved Summerville tradition for more than 50 years, drawing residents and visitors for a day of food, shopping, entertainment, and community activities.

Vendor applications are available online at www.summervillerec.org.

Chattooga County Fair Announces 2026 Entertainment Lineup And Event Details

The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair has announced its entertainment lineup and event schedule for the 2026 fair, which will be held August 27 through August 30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center, located at 40 Middle School Drive in Summerville.

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Free Cave Geology Program and Guided Caving Trip Planned in LaFayette

Outdoor enthusiasts will have an opportunity to learn more about the caves beneath northwest Georgia during a free presentation and guided caving trip hosted by The Outpost and the City of LaFayette Parks and Recreation.

The first program in The Outpost’s new outdoor-focused speaker series will be held Thursday, July 23, at 6 p.m. at the MARS Theatre in downtown LaFayette.

The presentation will feature Eric Crisp, a Walker County resident, professional geologist and experienced caver. Crisp will discuss cave geology, the relationship between rock, water and time, and the natural processes that have created the extensive cave systems found throughout the region.

Organizers say the program is designed to help participants better understand the geological features located beneath northwest Georgia and why the area’s network of caves is considered unique.

A free guided caving trip will follow on Saturday, July 25. The trip will also be led by Crisp and is open to both beginners and experienced cavers. Transportation will be provided.

Space for the caving trip is limited, and advance registration is required. Anyone interested in reserving a spot should call The Outpost at 706-639-1589.

The July 23 presentation at the MARS Theatre is free and open to the public.

Chattooga County Historical Society to Feature Local Veteran Who Took Part in Historic World Events

The Chattooga County Historical Society invites everyone to its Summer Meeting on Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m. at the historic Summerville Depot for a fascinating program featuring one of Chattooga County’s own whose life placed him at the center of several significant moments in American history.

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