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August 5, 2026

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

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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.

August 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Vendor Registration Now Open For 2026 Sum Nelly Festival

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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.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Steam Locomotive Rolls Into Summerville Today As International Model Railroad Convention Visits Region

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Rail fans will have a rare opportunity today as a historic steam locomotive arrives in downtown Summerville as part of the 2026 National Model Railroad Association Convention, being held this week in Chattanooga.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

National Model Railroad Convention Steam Excursion Coming To Summerville Thursday

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A special steam excursion connected to the 2026 National Model Railroad Association Convention and National Train Show will make a stop in Summerville on Thursday, July 30.

The national convention is being held in Chattanooga for the first time in its 90-year history and is expected to draw more than 1,000 registered attendees from around the world. Organizers also anticipate more than 15,000 visitors for the National Train Show.

As part of the convention, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum will operate a chartered steam excursion to Summerville with approximately 450 passengers aboard. Special permission was granted by the Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway for the weekday trip.

The steam locomotive, pulling 12 passenger cars, is expected to arrive at the Summerville Depot between 12:30 and 1 p.m. Passengers will have an opportunity to view the Summerville Railroad Turntable and enjoy a catered luncheon in Dowdy Park.

The excursion is scheduled to depart Summerville at approximately 2:45 p.m.

Motorists should be aware that the railroad crossings on East Washington Street and East First Avenue will be closed while the train is in Summerville. Drivers should expect delays and plan to use alternate routes during the closure.

July 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Hwy 27 Longest Yard Sale Returns to Dowdy Park August 6–8

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Bargain hunters and vendors alike will have an opportunity to buy, sell and explore during the Hwy 27 Longest Yard Sale at Dowdy Park in downtown Summerville, scheduled for Thursday, August 6, through Saturday, August 8.

Hosted by the City of Summerville, the three-day event runs from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day at Dowdy Park. Organizers say shoppers can expect a wide variety of treasures while sellers have a chance to clean out unwanted items and earn extra money.

Vendor spaces measure 15-by-15 feet and are available for $5 per day. Those interested in reserving a space can request a vendor form by emailing slocklear@summervillega.org.

Dowdy Park is located along Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Summerville, offering convenient access and plenty of visibility throughout the event.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Spark Day Happening Today In Summerville

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A community event aimed at supporting local special needs programs and Special Olympics athletes is happening today in Summerville.

“Spark Day” will be held today, Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dowdy Park. The event is being organized by the Speak Life Chattooga County Special Needs Support Group.

Organizers say the fundraiser will support adults participating in Special Olympics activities, along with children involved in summer programs. Community members, vendors, and local resource groups are expected to take part, with no vendor fees for the event.

Spark Day will feature local vendors, baked goods, art, jewelry, T-shirts, coffee, and community resources. Organizers also hope the event helps families connect with programs and services available throughout Northwest Georgia.

The goal is to make Spark Day an annual community tradition focused on inclusion, fun, and support for special needs families across the region.

June 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Scouts And Veterans Retire Hundreds Of American Flags In Chattooga County

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Veterans and local scouts came together in Chattooga County to honor the American flag with dignity and respect during a flag retirement ceremony at VFW Post 6688 on Memorial Drive.

June 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Spark Day Set for June 27 at Dowdy Park to Connect Families With Resources and Support

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A new community event aimed at supporting individuals with special needs and their families is coming to Summerville later this month.

June 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Awards Contract for New Splash Pad at Dowdy Park

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The City of Summerville has taken another step toward adding a new family-friendly attraction by approving a contract for a splash pad at J.R. “Dick” Dowdy Park.

During a recent meeting, the Summerville City Council approved awarding the project to Gametime at a cost of approximately $399,948.80. City officials said the splash pad is expected to enhance recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors.

Summerville City Manager Jason Winters discussed the project with council members prior to the vote, noting that the splash pad represents a significant investment in community recreation. The facility is expected to provide a safe and enjoyable place for children and families to cool off during the summer months.

The addition of the splash pad is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve parks and recreational amenities. Once completed, the new attraction will become a centerpiece of Dowdy Park and is expected to serve residents for years to come.

City leaders expressed optimism about the project and its potential to enhance quality of life while providing another destination for families in the community.

June 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Spark Day Event Planned for June 27 at Dowdy Park

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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.