Homemade Ice Cream Sale Planned At James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

Ice cream lovers will have a chance to cool off and support a local organization later this month at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.

The Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will host a Homemade Ice Cream Sale on Sunday, June 28, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. near the park’s Visitor Center.

Volunteers will offer a variety of homemade ice cream flavors, giving visitors plenty of options to choose from. Ice cream will be available for $3 per cup, and both cash and card payments will be accepted.

Organizers say the event is a great opportunity for families and visitors to enjoy a summer treat while spending time at one of Northwest Georgia’s most scenic state parks.

A Georgia State Parks parking pass is required for entry. Visitors must have either a $10 daily ParkPass or an annual pass to park at the facility.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in Chattooga County and is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, fishing lakes, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The event is open to the public.

Chattooga Library To Host Live Animal Show For Summer Program

Children and families will have an opportunity to experience an up-close wildlife encounter later this month as the Sara Hightower Regional Library System welcomes Animal Adventures of Georgia to Summerville.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at 2 p.m. at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

Animal Adventures of Georgia is a mobile wildlife education company based in Newnan that specializes in bringing live animal programs to schools, libraries, festivals, and community events across the state. The organization is known for its interactive presentations featuring a variety of animals while teaching participants about wildlife, habitats, conservation, and nature.

Library officials describe the program as an interactive and educational live animal nature show designed to engage children and adults alike through hands-on learning experiences.

The event is free and open to the public and is part of the library’s ongoing summer programming.

Families are encouraged to arrive early for what promises to be a fun and educational afternoon featuring live animals and opportunities to learn more about the natural world.

Stars & Stripes At The Depot Planned For July 4 In Summerville

Families are invited to celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic community gathering at the Summerville Train Depot on Saturday, July 4.

The City of Summerville will host “Stars & Stripes At The Depot” from noon until 3 p.m. at the historic depot in downtown Summerville.

The event is being held as part of the nation’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and will feature free sliced watermelon, patriotic music, and appearances by Uncle Sam. Organizers also announced that the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s passenger train, pulled by steam locomotive No. 4501, is expected to arrive during the event.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to see the Summerville Turntable in operation.

City officials encourage residents and visitors to bring their families and enjoy an afternoon of patriotic fun, local history, and community fellowship as the nation marks a significant milestone in its history.

The event is free and open to the public.

Chattooga Beekeepers Association To Visit Chattooga Library

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.

Summerville Seeking Competitors for Hot Dog Eating Contest at Independence Festival

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.

Summerville Depot to Host Homemade Ice Cream Contest During June 20 Event

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.

Wild West Celebration Happening Today At Historic Summerville Depot

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.

Read more

Chattooga Library Hosting Family Bingo Event June 4

Families looking for a fun summer activity can take part in a Family Bingo event next month at the Chattooga Library in Summerville.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Chattooga Library located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

According to organizers with the Sara Hightower Regional Library System, the activity is designed for all ages and participants will have the opportunity to compete for prizes during the evening.

The event is open to the public, and organizers say families, children, and community members are encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact the Chattooga Library at 706-857-2553.

Happening Today: Summerville Welcomes Return Of 4501 Steam Engine

Summerville will celebrate the return of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s 4501 steam engine to the Historic Summerville Depot today with May Market & Melodies.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Summerville Depot and will feature food vendors, craft vendors, live bluegrass, country and gospel music, and free admission.

The Summerville Turntable will also be in operation, turning the iconic 4501 steam engine for the first time in 2026. The locomotive is returning in classic Southern Railway green and gold passenger livery as TVRM celebrates its 65th anniversary and the engine’s 115th birthday.

Visitors can enjoy the market inside and outside the depot, with food options including jams and jellies, fried pies, corndogs, pizza, specialty breads, barbecue, homemade lemonade and more.

Suggested parking is in Downtown Summerville. Train excursion tickets are available through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum at www.tvrail.com.

City of Menlo Plans Independence Day Celebration

The City of Menlo is preparing for a full day of Independence Day festivities on Saturday, July 4th, with a community celebration and parade planned for residents and visitors.

According to information released by the city, activities will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with the annual Fourth of July parade scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

Organizers say the celebration will include vendors, inflatables, and additional family-friendly activities throughout the day.

Community members are encouraged to come out and enjoy the holiday celebration while supporting local vendors and taking part in one of Menlo’s longtime Independence Day traditions.

Additional event details are expected to be announced as the holiday approaches.