Think your photography, homemade preserves, garden produce or handiwork deserves a blue ribbon? The Chattooga County Fair is inviting local residents to put their talents to the test as entries open for the fair’s Blue Ribbon Department.
The Chattooga County Fair is set to return later this month, bringing four days of rides, livestock shows, live entertainment, competitions and family activities to the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville.
Local residents are being encouraged to showcase their talents during the Blue Ribbon Department competition at the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.