Chamber Invites Community to Monthly ‘5:30 Club’ Networking Event at Jefferson’s

The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is inviting business owners, professionals, and community members to its monthly 5:30 Club networking event on Thursday, July 9, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Jefferson’s Restaurant in Summerville.

The informal gathering is designed to give Chamber members and guests an opportunity to network, share ideas, discuss local business, and build new relationships in a relaxed setting. Organizers say the event has been rebranded following a successful launch and will now be held on the second Thursday of each month.

Attendees can enjoy complimentary appetizers while connecting with fellow business leaders and community members. The event is open to anyone interested in networking and learning more about the local business community.

For more information about the 5:30 Club or membership opportunities, contact the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce.

Happening Today: Summerville Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks Show

One of Chattooga County’s biggest summer traditions returns today as the City of Summerville hosts its annual Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks Show at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.

The free community celebration begins at 6 p.m. at 33 Middle School Road and will feature live music, family activities, food vendors, contests and one of the largest fireworks displays in Northwest Georgia. The fireworks show is scheduled for 10 p.m.

Families can enjoy the free Kid’s Zone from 6 until 9 p.m., with waterslides, inflatables, face painting, sack races, badminton, volleyball, Jenga and more. Other activities include the Corn Hole Tournament, the Patriotic Foot Parade for children at 6:35 p.m., and the Summerville Natural Gas and Menlo Lucky’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at 7:30 p.m.

Entertainment begins at 6:45 p.m. with Parker Thomas, followed by The Whole Fam Damily at 8 p.m.

Parking is free, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy an evening of food, music, family fun and fireworks.

Chattooga River Group Plans Independence Day Social Paddle Friday

Area paddlers are invited to celebrate Independence Day on the water this Friday during a Social Paddle hosted by the Chattooga River Group.

Participants will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, July 3, at Giles Road in Trion before organizing shuttle vehicles to the take-out location near the Trion Golf Course. Organizers say the float is expected to last about three hours, depending on fishing and water conditions.

Those planning to participate are encouraged to bring a personal flotation device, drinking water, and snacks for the trip. Organizers are also encouraging paddlers to show their patriotic spirit, with a free T-shirt to be awarded to the participant wearing the best patriotic outfit.

Anyone planning to attend is asked to respond to the event organizers in advance to help coordinate transportation and parking arrangements.

Community Resource Center To Host July 6 Resource Fair With Free 24-Pack Pepsi Product Giveaway

The Community Resource Center of Chattooga is inviting area residents to attend its monthly Resource Fair on Monday, July 6, where families can connect with local organizations and learn about services available in the community.

The Resource Fair will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Representatives from a variety of local agencies and organizations will be available to provide information and connect attendees with programs and resources designed to help individuals and families.

As a thank-you for attending the Resource Fair, participants will qualify to receive a free 24-pack of beverages. Available choices include Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer and Zero Sugar Gatorade.

The Community Resource Center’s Food Pantry will also be open that day from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. in a separate location within the building.

Organizers note that visitors do not have to pick up a food box on July 6, but they must attend the Resource Fair to qualify for the free 24-pack of drinks.

The Community Resource Center says its goal is to ensure everyone has access to resources, support and opportunities that help families thrive.

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.