#LocalEvents | AM 1180 Radio

June 12, 2026

Summerville Seeking Competitors for Hot Dog Eating Contest at Independence Festival

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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.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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

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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.

June 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Wild West Celebration Happening Today At Historic Summerville Depot

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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.

May 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga Library Hosting Family Bingo Event June 4

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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.

May 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Happening Today: Summerville Welcomes Return Of 4501 Steam Engine

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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.

May 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

City of Menlo Plans Independence Day Celebration

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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.

May 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sloppy Floyd State Park Ready to Welcome Summer Adventurers

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville is gearing up for a busy summer season, with camping, hiking, fishing and family-friendly programs available for visitors.

Park Manager Katy Gramling says summer adventures at the park include several camping options, including electric campsites, backcountry campsites and a pioneer campground with water but no electricity.

Gramling says weekend reservations are mostly booked into June, but weekday campers may have a better chance of finding an available site.

Upcoming events at the park include Junior Ranger Camps June 10-12, June 22-25 and July 16-17. The camps are designed for children ages 6 to 12 and include outdoor skills, crafts and ranger-led activities. The park will also host “Star Spangled S’mores and Stories” on July 4 at 7 PM, featuring campfire games, a storybook, hot cocoa and s’mores.

Visitors can also enjoy the park’s lakes, hiking trails and access to the Pinhoti Trail. For reservations or more information, visit Georgia State Parks online or call the park office at 706-857-0826.

May 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Makerspace Monday Returning to Chattooga County Library on May 18

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The Sara Hightower Regional Library System will host another “Makerspace Monday” event on Monday, May 18, at the Chattooga County Library in Summerville.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the library located at 360 Farrar Drive.

Participants can sign up for time to use equipment including Cricut machines, 3-D printers, a large-format printer and a laser engraver. Organizers say materials are available for purchase, or participants may bring their own supplies.

Registration is required to participate. Those interested can call 706-857-2553 or stop by the library circulation desk for more information.

May 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Town of Trion Holding Dog Park Grand Opening Today

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The Town of Trion will officially celebrate the opening of its new dog park today with a special ceremony at the Track Field Pavilion adjoining Simmons Street.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 AM.

Town officials say the project was inspired by the late Brinley A. Corbin, whose dream of a community dog park has now become a reality.

Mayor Mickey McGraw and members of the Trion Town Council are inviting residents and visitors from across the area to attend the celebration and bring their dogs.

May 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Free Community Meal Happening Today at Summerville First Baptist Church

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All are residents are invited to enjoy a free hot meal today during the Grateful Saturday Blessings event at Summerville First Baptist Church.

The meal will be served from 11 AM until 1 PM at the church located at 125 Georgia Avenue in Summerville.

Today’s menu includes spaghetti, corn and garlic bread, along with desserts.

The meal is available to anyone in the community.

Organizers say Grateful Saturday Blessings will pause for the summer and resume in August 2026.