Chattooga County Fair Releases Rules Ahead Of August Event

Organizers of the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair are reminding visitors of several rules that will be in effect during this year’s fair, which runs August 27-30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center in Summerville.

The fair will be held rain or shine, and organizers say no refunds will be issued because of weather.

Among the rules, no outside food or beverages, no glass containers and no alcohol will be permitted on the fairgrounds. Animals are also prohibited, with the exception of service animals and animals participating in livestock shows.

Fair officials say all bags and backpacks are subject to search, and firearms and other weapons are prohibited. Because the fair is held on school property, Georgia law also restricts weapons on the grounds.

Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Guests who engage in disorderly conduct may be removed from the fairgrounds without a refund.

Those attending concerts are also reminded that umbrellas and tents are not permitted in the concert seating area, although visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.

Additional information, including entertainment schedules, livestock events and Blue Ribbon entry guidelines, is available at www.chattoogafair.com.

Finster Fest Returns To Summerville September 19-20

Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden will once again host Finster Fest 2026 on Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, bringing artists, music, food and family activities to Summerville.

The annual festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Paradise Garden, 200 North Lewis Street.

Festival organizers say this year’s event will feature more than 60 folk artists and craftsmen from across Georgia and around the country, showcasing paintings, pottery, sculpture, stained glass, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork and other handmade creations. Several artists will be exhibiting at Finster Fest for the first time, while others are returning after previous appearances.

In addition to the artist market, Finster Fest will include live music, Southern food, children’s art activities, guest speakers and special exhibits throughout the weekend. A list of performing musicians will be announced closer to the festival.

Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, one of Northwest Georgia’s best-known folk art attractions, draws visitors from across the nation each year to celebrate the legacy of the internationally recognized artist and minister.

Additional information and updates are available through the Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden Facebook page.

Santa Special Train Tickets Now On Sale For Holiday Excursions To Summerville

Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Summerville Santa Special excursions through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

This year’s holiday train rides are scheduled for November 28 and 29, December 5 and 6, and December 11 and 12. Tickets are $24 for everyone age 2 and older.

Passengers will travel to Summerville for a festive holiday experience that includes the Mistletoe Market and a free children’s activity tent. Visitors will also have time to shop, eat and enjoy downtown Summerville.

The Summerville Santa Special has become a popular family tradition, and organizers encourage passengers to reserve their seats early because the rides often sell out.

Tickets are available at www.tvrail.com under Train Rides, Seasonal Special Events, and Summerville Santa Special.

 

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park to Host Sunset Paddle July 25

Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to experience James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park from the water during a Sunset Paddle on Saturday, July 25.

The ranger-led program begins at 8:30 p.m., with participants asked to meet at the park office by 8 p.m. before launching onto the park’s Lower Lake for an evening paddle as the sun sets.

Registration is required in advance. The cost is $20 per person, which includes kayak rental, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 Georgia State Park pass is also required for entry.

Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of water and wear clothing that can get wet. The guided paddle offers an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful scenery of the lake while learning more about the park and its natural surroundings.

Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To register or for more information, call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.

Chattooga County Fair Unveils 2026 Attractions Lineup

The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair is gearing up for four days of family fun with carnival rides, live entertainment, educational exhibits and daily livestock shows when the fair returns August 27-30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds in Summerville.

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Multicultural Festival Brings Food, Music and Culture to Downtown Summerville Today

A celebration of cultures from around the world will take place today at the Summerville Train Depot as the City of Summerville hosts its Multicultural Festival from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The free, family-friendly event will feature a “Taste Around the World” with a variety of international foods, live entertainment, craft vendors, cultural displays and activities celebrating the diverse traditions that make up the local community.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s antique steam locomotive arrive at the depot and watch demonstrations of the historic Summerville Turntable, one of the few operating railroad turntables of its kind.

The festival is open to all ages and will be held at the Summerville Train Depot, 111 East Washington Street.

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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Magician Arthur Atsma Bringing Interactive Show to Chattooga County Library Tuesday

Families looking for free summertime entertainment are invited to the Chattooga County Library on Tuesday afternoon for an interactive magic show featuring nationally recognized entertainer Arthur Atsma.

The performance begins at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville. The event is presented by the Sara Hightower Regional Library System and is free and open to the public.

Atsma is known for combining comedy, audience participation and fast-paced illusions into a family-friendly performance designed to entertain children and adults alike. Organizers say the show features a variety of performance arts woven into an engaging magical adventure that has delighted audiences around the world.

The program is part of the library’s summer activities and provides local families with another opportunity to enjoy free educational and recreational programming during the school break.

Sloppy Floyd State Park Hosting Cloud Spotters Program and Night Hike Saturday

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to take part in two ranger-led programs on Saturday, July 18, offering opportunities to learn about the natural world during both the day and night.

The day begins with the Cloud Spotters program at 10 a.m., where participants will create a cloud spotter craft before hiking to the Lower Lake Dam to learn about different cloud formations and Earth’s weather systems. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, sunglasses and plenty of water. The program costs $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is also required.

Later that evening at 8 p.m., the park will host a Cold-Blooded Critters Night Hike along the Upper Lake Trail. Rangers will introduce participants to reptiles, amphibians and other cold-blooded animals while discussing their habitats, diets and survival strategies. Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. The night hike is also $3 per person, with a $10 park pass required.

Advance registration is required for both programs. To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

Tellus Museum to Visit Chattooga County Library for Summer Reading Finale

Young readers and their families are invited to celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Challenge with a special visit from the Tellus Science Museum at the Chattooga County Library next week.

The Summer Reading Finale with the Tellus Museum will be held Thursday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

The free program will feature an interactive dinosaur-themed presentation where children will learn what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur through a hands-on educational game. Following the presentation, participants can enjoy activity stations featuring dinosaur crafts, a dinosaur dig scavenger hunt, fossil touch pieces, bookmark coloring, and a chance to cool off with free icees.

Library officials say the event will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes and is open to the public.